The 40 Plus Teenager!!!

Well now that sucks...

2011-11-09T20:45:00.001Z

I logged onto facebook there a short while ago and was greeted by a message that told me that the blog I share on my page would after the end of the month, no longer be shared...it sucks. Facebook are making so many changes, and not all of them are good. So not a fan of the site at the mo.

On the study front, I got up this morning around 6 to go to the bathroom, and ended up in front of the computer, ciggy in left hand, coffee to my right...sheesh...but the result of that, is 16 pages of a bibliography, to look up when I get to UNI on Friday. I know, I can't read them all, but at least I can wade through the list and cross out the ones that have no relevance, and make note of those that will be the main players in the upcoming research.

This part is going to take me another couple of months, but as I said before I'm in no hurry to start just yet, I want to make sure that the ground I'm standing on, when I go forward with the proposal, to a perspective supervisor, is solid. Very important to me.

Even T is getting in on it, she spent a good deal of her time on here this evening, looking up research and books for me to follow up on (I so love that woman).

Short update, but update none the less...

so until tomorrow...

love, light, laughter, joy and blessings.

Gina

Now I have two areas I'd like to pursue...

2011-11-08T11:04:00.001Z

...and I should really pick one, but I'm in no hurry to do so, its just nice being able to wander back into the library in UL and do some research on my chosen subjects. I've just printed off a list of books to stick my nose into over the coming weeks and see if there is room for what I want to do in this particular area.

It's no secret that there are two subjects very dear to my heart to do research on, one of course is LGBT issues in Ireland (defo not the title), and the other is Witchcraft in Ireland (seriously, not the title), I'm choosing to examine the later one first, and see if there's room for my idea, if not, no hassle, I'll go searching the LGBT one, though having looked through some of the upcoming PHD's out there at the moment and works in progress, I'd be better off with the one I'm checking into now.

I really loved being on campus yesterday, though I found some things weren't where I left them five years ago, the Postgraduate office has moved to the Concert hall (second floor), and the admissions desk seems to have been revamped (though I could be wrong there as it was lunch time when I arrived).

The ground floor of the library is also different, the information area is now to the left as you come in through the doors, and is very airy and nice. The books are just where I left them, on the second floor, got to get used to classifications again though.

I've bubbles all packed up, and a couple of things to read if I get bored (as bloody if), and today will be the test of the Alumni card, as I won't be able to get back to UL until next week. I'll be continuing my research at home, which means taking myself out of the living room while the tv is on lol.

Anyway, time to wander off and do some more stuff, I'll be heading about 12, for an afternoon of study, then going to the OUT in UL workshop later. I'm looking so forward to this, the juices are flowing and it's so bad, I couldn't sleep last night lol.

Anyway, have a brill day folks, love, light, laughter and blessings to you all.

Gina

Plans on the horizon...

2011-11-07T10:51:00.001Z

Well now, I should actually be on my way out the door, and beginning my Journey to UL and researching the prospect of whether or not its possible for me to do a PHD. Now I've gotten myself all nice and cosy warm, sitting here at the computer, updating blogs and checking out the websites and forums that I'm on (yes there is more to the net than just Facebook and Twitter).

me and liz after graduating our masters

A good friend posted that she was about to get to grips with her own PHD, and so, ever eager to go back to the thing that I did get most of a kick out of (even if I was too nervous a student to ever appreciate it and allowed exterior things to get in the way), which was research, study, and academia. Oh how I've missed academia.

So I'm a uni - nerd lol.

Anyway, I have digressed...When she mentioned about the PHD, I thought, why don't you ask her how she went about it, and maybe see if you can do something yourself. You see I've been holding back...(I've mentioned my desire to do this a few times on facebook, but never really got very far)...because you see several things have made me stop and pause...one of those things is the grade in my MA, it wasn't the greatest, I got my degree, but it could have been toonnnnneeeessss better. But that's life eh?! lol.

The other thing, and the most worrying, is the funding...how does one go about that? Is there actually funding available to send someone like me back to UNI to do a PHD? Well I don't know, but I know at this stage if I don't try, I won't know and I'll always be saying...coulda, shoulda, woulda...

There is a plan in motion (when I finish my coffee and fag...), which is this:

Choose the Topic - something new and interesting (good luck with that one lol)
Check out and make sure no one else is doing that topic (there is rarely such a thing as an orginal thought...but we can hope can't we).
Locate your sources (uh...the library)
Find a willing supervisor (who hopefully has some knowledge of the subject and is willing to put up with you for 4 / 5 years)
E-mail all who look like they could be the 'one'
Begin Formal Application Process
FUNDING!!!!!!!(silent scream)

T is behind me totally, and says not to worry about the moula, we'll find it someplace, and not to worry about her, she'll get used to me with my nose stuck in a book, or clackity, clackity on the keyboard typing, researching and pulling my hair out, and let me get on with it lol.

Oh and on the list of worries is the one that goes *well I've been out of academia approximately 5 years now, can I write a proposal? Can I write an essay? Can I write a chapter of a PHD? CAN I DO THIS?*

My answers are, probably, with some support and a keen eye to look over the stuff before I hand it up *MS. Molloy, commas serve a purpose, they are not a decoration* (quote from one of my lecturers in UL while doing my BA). I can do this because I've already done a BA and an MA, so I know I have the ability to go for it and achieve it. But...

There's always a But...

Stress, depression, working by myself, money, supervisors...

Well I'm heading out there today (UL), to do a little background, not as early as I had hoped, but still heading out. I'll keep ye appraised of the progress, or lack there off.

So, onward, and upward. Wish me luck.

Gina

Love, light, laughter, blessings and Joy.

It's still Halloween here...

2011-11-04T10:37:00.003Z

...well anyone who knows us, or has visited our home knows that for most of the year, it looks like Halloween got off the bus and decided to settle in our house lol. We've not taken the decy's down, well the ones that we put up that is lol. So that in the dark, the luminescent small skeleton that is still standing in the wee plastic witches cauldron in the kitchen frightens the bejeeus out of me...

This morning started off with me getting up late (around 8 ish), and not being able to tune in the damn radio, turned out that one of the cats must have been messing with the buttons, and had switched the setting to Low Wave instead of FM so nothing was getting through...Cats seriously, lol.

Sophie

Sophie's been for her walk, she's getting a bit better with the muzzle, though she's still trying to get to the other dogs, and some of the people walking down the street, but it's a necessary evil as we love the dog, and want to keep her safe. One lovely woman stopped and chatted to me while Sophie tried to get to her, and was busy doing her best impression of one nasty dog. The woman didn't bat an eyelid, just asked what breed she was, and how old, and talked to her as well as me, while keeping her distance. Another lady walking a small dog, admired her, as I held her back and let them pass. She said that Sophie's name was beautiful, and that she just needed to be given a chance.

Normally I'll walk her before everyone else is up and moving, but I'm wondering if that is a good thing now? Am I just letting her away with it? I know that a dog trainer would be best, but we dont' have that kind of money at the moment, and I doubt if we'll have it any-time in the near future. She's a lovely dog, and once she knows you she's so friendly, and bouncy. It's just getting to that stage with her that's the rub.

Anyway, the day ahead is looking intresting, I'm almost out of tabacco, but T will be home around 3 and we'll be going shopping and I'll be able to pick some up then. So, until then, coffee, ciggy and on with the day...

Love, light, laughter, joy and blessings to you all.

Gina

New Witches Year, New Start...kind of lol.

2011-11-03T14:38:00.001Z

Afternoon folks, I'm really loving this new blogger interface...its kinda sweet (as far as I'm concerned). Well I've blogged in 3 (counting this one), out of four of my blogs today, semi - tided up my crafting drawers, cleaned out and tidied up my sewing basket and rearranged my beading projects box, as well as half tidied up the ribbons in my ribbon bag...what I was actually supposed to be doing was learning to make a loop on a loop pin for a bracelet project I have had in mind since early next year...I think I'm procrastinating again lol as I have the uncontrollable desire to empty out my knitting bag and sort out what's in it...(no gina, leave it alone and get going on the loop...but there's always tomorrow lol).

The day is going great, I've had pumpkin pie for lunch, heated in the microwave and with cream...yummy. I've just done all the stuff mentioned above and am about to upload the images on my camera to the computer...I've done two clothes washes, emptied the dryer, walked Sophie and enjoyed listening to radio 4 this morning and the debate around the Ryan Air Calender...

Well, I guess that's it for now.

Enjoy the rest of your day I know I'm going to.

Love, Light, Laughter and blessings.

Gina

Our 1st Anniversary

2011-11-01T20:39:00.000Z

T's Framed Vows with part of our Handfasting Ribbon

Well it's been a full year, and a day, and yes, I still love my beautiful wife. We went to London last Thursday morning while most people were deep in their slumber. This trip was our Anniversary gift to the both of us, and while we were over there we went to see WICKED (you might know about this as we've posted up on facebook how fantastic it was and what a great job mike from Rainbow Retreats did).

While the hotel room was small and appropriate to our usual 'just needing someplace to sleep', the bed was bloody amazing, a queen sized, sink into and fall directly asleep fantastic bed, and the pillows were to kill for (after this we've decided that when we move, we're buying a big ol' soft queensized bed lol). The breakfasts weren't the best, and the coffee was the 'jeasus' type (you could bloody well walk across it), we had no other issues. It was clean, and the staff were fantastic. I would recommend it to you all.

Me at the Golden Hind

The first day was spent in a daze of having no sleep since Wednesday, as we were so excited about going, we didn't sleep lol. We took the day out to go see T's relatives, then back to Victoria and dinner. Knackered tired we hit the hay, and would you believe slept right through till 6 am (from about 4pm). The following day was spent looking for the 'Tate Globe' which on the way to it, we found the Golden Hind a pretty wee masted ship.

The Stalls at The Globe

The lady that guided us around the Globe thought that we should remember that the Globe was not just Shakespeare's theatre, but that there were other great play writes and actors involved in it from the get go. Now the theatre that is standing today is not the original, though it was built using as close to original materials that they could find in these modern times. The flagstones out side of the main Globe building are etched with the names of all the people who donated to rebuild this replica. Every year plays are preformed inside the globe, and under the open skies (though there are roofed sections).

The stage at The Globe

Once we finished the tour and had a coffee (I love Starbucks), we headed to Covent Garden (I got my markets mixed up as this one was over priced and not worth the walk), where we found Cyber Candy, and where I was disappointed to find out, had just recently ran out of Candy Corn...(I loves candy corn). Once back we relaxed for a bit, I had a bath, and we got changed to go to see the play.

Outside the Theatre

Well, I cried at the beginning, I cried at the end and Cried in the middle, in-between laughing and marvelling at the stage, and the skills of the two main actress's. It was well worth the money, and ye all should go see it. The witch was framed! *grins* Anyway, I got the cd, the witches hat, and the witches hat pendent. We were so excited after it, we couldn't sleep lol.

The Stage, no photos of play as they weren't allowed.

Our last day in London was spent in the British Museum, at the Egyptian Exhibits and shopping in the stores in the main lobby. We then, on our way to get something to eat, found the one pagan bookshop we really wanted to go to. Which was brilliant. After that, we ate lunch, headed back to the hotel, grabbed our bags, and headed for the airport, where we waited for our plane back home (arriving as always thanks to my beautiful wife 4 hours early). We weren't allowed to bring home duty free ciggies, or certain alcohol from England because we were travelling inside the EU...(not a happy bunny me).

Me beside a statue of Sekmet in the British Museum.

SAMHAIN morning was spent for T with her mom and sister who came in on a flying visit, and went shopping with her. When she got home, T made an incredible Autumn stew, and we both made a fantastic Pumpkin Pie + four smaller ones (they were so scrummy), then did our thing, and had a great feast after wards. Thankfully we only had one set of trick or treaters to our door, and yes, I did dress up lol.

Me and T at the theatre.

Our night was spent quietly, with only a few firework / fire cracker disturbances. It was beautiful sitting in front of the fire and just relaxing.

next year my babe says its NY and Salem if we can book it.

Long post, if you got here well done...

Now off you go, love, light, laugher, joy and blessings.

Gina

stuff and stuff...

2011-10-22T11:24:00.002+01:00

All you witches, pagans, etc., I'd like to offer you a site to check out, its called Pagan Place and I've only just discovered it, fully of nice friendly people it might be something you'd like http://www.pagan-place.com follow the link and check it out.

Well, Halloween / Samhain is fast approaching, and I'm a little miffed. I know not all witches or pagans love the tat that you can purchase connected with Halloween, but I love it. I'm finding this year however, that most places here in Limerick City are neglecting the season, probably because not everyone is as wacky or crazy about the season as I am, and they don't want to be stuck with a lot of stock they have ordered in, and yet, in the cheaper shops they have the usual cheap stuff, banners, costumes (some very cheap looking), and ornaments. I think I must have been spoilt having travelled to New York and Salem the past couple of years, and having found some interesting stuff in limerick in the past. Also there is the fact that I can't find an orange table cloth in limerick, I mean seriously, its Halloween folks.

Another gripe I have is with the size of the pumpkins available this year, their tiny, these would be ones I'd leave aside for cooking, not really for carving (not a big enough surface really), and the prices when they first got them in was really stupid, 5 euros for a medium sized pumpkin, no wonder people weren't buying any. Then there is the lack of candy corn or pumpkin pie...yes totally American, but jeez louise, it would be nice to be able to pick up one, or two. Thankfully my beautiful wife has said she'll cook up some pumpkin stuff for me this year when we get back from London, and we'll be looking for Candy Corn in an american shop in London.

Cat - Nip doesn't agree with Sophie, she's been very aggressive over the past couple of weeks, snapping at everyone, growling and showing her teeth, while keeping the three larger cat mice in the back of her Bed / Crate. So last night, we took them off her, and threw them out, she wasn't happy and went searching for them everywhere. Today she's a little more friendly, but still has her moments. We also think the whole thing is linked with the fact that she's not been nurtured, and as we don't intend to breed her, we're going to definitely do this when we get back from London. I've also moved her bed out to the kitchen, don't know if it will stay there as the crate is bloody massive, but that's what she's used to sleeping in, so that's what we're using.

I finished and gave Bernie her knitted quilt, but forgot to take a photo of the finished item for the Ravelry site I'm a member of. I'm at present tidying up the strings for a knitted quilt for Sinead, it should be complete and handed over after Samhain. I have the bones of one more quilt to do, and then find a home for it, I guess I could always try and sell it but I guess giving it as a gift would be nice too. While I'm at it, there are two draft excluder's, and a Stone the Gargoyle for Triona (I might even get around to doing that jumper you wanted babe, stranger things have happened).

Well for now that will do, as I've one or two more things to do.

Wishing you a blessed and beautiful day.

Love, laugh, light and blessings to you all.

G.

Afternoon All...

2011-10-08T15:31:00.002+01:00

Well there, how are ye? Haven't updated in a while, so what's new? Well I've an infected cyst in my eye that's annoying the feck out of it, making my vision out of that eye blurry, and making me think there's sommit stuck in there (yes a cyst I know). It's really aggravating....

It's really annoying me as I've just gotten the wool and needles for a new project, a tiny little gargoyle called stone from a series of fantasy books (pattern can be found here http://devonmonk.livejournal.com/134635.html ). I'm doing him in chunky white with black bits (I'm hoping that it will make him look like he's been carved out of old stone), and size 6 double ended needles (having had a debate with the nice lady inside in Lena's about the size and weight of wool, and going to the nice lady in the Singer Shop, and clarifying it), only now to have this bloody thing upsetting my vision...*le sigh*

Another project that I am to finish is Sinead's Quilt, I did one for her mom, and just completed one for our friend Bernie, Sinead's is much along the same colouring lines as her mothers was, but bigger (as it has to fit a bed rather than being just to wrap around you as you sit on the couch over the winter nights). This one once I get going on it won't take too long, must get some more balls of chunky in some cute colours and add some thing slightly different to it.

We made some Apple Jelly (when I say we, I mean I helped pick the apples, and got the labels and Triona did all the hard work), we've handed some out to friends and are waiting on feedback as they are rather sweet. The jelly is more of a consistency of American Jelly (jam), than it is of the Irish variety, which to me seems to be rather runny. The landlord supplied the apples, and if we can get some lidded containers, we'll also attempt some apple wine...I'd have thought you'd have been able to pick up some wine buckets in the hardware shops but we hadn't been able to find them up to a month ago...I'm worried that the apples will fall long before we've gotten them. I've no where to store them, so I can't pick them 'just in case'.

I'm back smoking again (I really missed it, mixed with stress), and recently dropped into dads to see how he was, hadn't been out in a while, so as I'd to go see my doc (he's Shannon based), dropped in on dad. The family are keeping tabs on him, visiting him as often as they can, which is fantastic. Dad loves seeing them all, they're all going to dinners as a group on occasion, which is lovely as well.

My on-line gaming addiction (don't panic I don't spend moula, just time), isn't being helped by SIMS on Facebook, and speaking of Facebook, I wish they'd stop tweaking it...its getting annoying...grrrrrr

Samhain (Halloween) is fast approaching, its mine and T's 1st anniversary and we're heading to London for a couple of days, and going to see WICKED (I can't wait). We're Halloween shopping (as we do), and finding that the items you can get are rather disappointing...so not fair, its all about Christmas, gas thing is, a lot of the traditions started in this end of the world, the hallowing out of a 'thing' (turnip, pumpkin) and using it as a lantern, the going door to door (collecting food stuffs for the gathering), bonfires, and honouring our dead, and we've forgotten it, yes it has turned tacky, but a part of me loves tacky, and has the wherewithal to appreciate the history, and solemness of the Sabbat. Yule / Christmas isn't till December...do we really need to advertise it so darned early???? *sigh* I love Samhain / Halloween and I hate missing it.

We won't be hosting a party this year, deciding to go into town and see what's on offer there for a change...you never know, we might just bump into you.

So, I reckon that's enough for this update, hope yer all well...

Light, love, laughter and blessings to you all.

G

Moaning Mini...

2011-07-18T11:47:00.001+01:00

I was at the barboot sale in Bakers Place on Saturday and besides thinking that it could have done with a bit more advertising...I had a blast of a day, didn't make that much from the wee bits and bobs that I'd brought along to sell, but enjoyed the atmosphere and the comradeliness of all involved. We'd a bit of a laugh and I'd to keep sitting down as I'd done my back in lifting and pulling at stuff for the sale.

Thing is, I found it surprising how many of the people there at the barboot sale were emigrating, they no longer could manage here, so they were upping sticks and moving to some place that could offer them a better standard of living, taking with them, husbands / wives and Children. That's how bad this recession has gotten. People selling off their stuff because they are moving back overseas and can't bring it with them.

Me and T were considering opening up our own business, we'd found the perfect premises, but you know what, the taxes, would have killed us, all the little extras that the council heap onto business's in the city centre, even now, when people are leaving Ireland because they can't make it work...there is no incentive to stay and create jobs. T is now down to three days in work and two on the dole. We'll manage, just about, but I can't help wondering how those who have been hit hard over the past three years are faring?

As I was saying to a friend the other day myself and T have been lucky, it hadn't really hit us till this year (the recession that is), but now with her hours being cut and my inability to capture a job, it is striking us now so much so that any funds I'd managed to squirrel away towards old age and pensions is having to be retrieved now. I hate doing it, but this is necessary right now.

During the week we met a friend of mine from uni, she's just received her doctorate and is planning to go elsewhere to find work, across the sea and away from family and friends, because this country can't support her efforts to find work.

I find myself asking the question, is this how it is going to be for all of us? I mean, I've a BA and an MA, and I can't track down a decent job, I've been told not to be fussy, but something that isn't costing me money to go and do would be nice. On Wednesday I'll be handing my CV around the agencies again, and seeing if there are any bites. I've to go see the doc about the pain at the base of my back (probably put the disc out again), and then go see me dad (not all in one day). I should know how much of my hard earned savings I get back by the end of this week and won't see them till next month.

It makes me sick that once again, Ireland is at the stage of asking its working people if the last one off the island would kindly switch off the lights. Come on, get the finger out and give us an incentive to stay will ya?

so, I'm going to put moaning Mini back into her box and go do sommit else for a bit.

Best of Luck to you all

Gina

Morning folks

2011-07-03T07:57:00.000+01:00

"Blue skies shinning on me, nothing but blue skies do I see...." *sung happily while sitting at computer and staring out the window*

A beautiful morning in Limerick City as I sit at my desk, mug of coffee beside my laptop, and a view of the courtyard out my window with a prowling Husky glaring at me every so often. It's Sunday Morning and my darling wife is off out to work.

I'm looking forward to a lovely day of updating blogs, using Twitter, and doing some more of my new quilt.

I hope your Sunday will be just as beautiful.

Gina

Hi YA...Midsummers Day 21st June 2011

2011-06-21T10:50:00.000+01:00

Hello and blessed be to you all on this the longest, albeit wettest day of the year. This solstice is the equal to Samhain, in the fact that Samhain is the shortest, and both are times when the ether becomes thinner, and whereas Samhain is a time when those who have gone on before us may come back to see us, Midsummers is all about the fey, Fairy Folk or the wee people.

Tonight before the sun sets, take a wander in your garden, and leave an offering of milk, honey, butter or cakes for them, some brightly coloured stones, ribbons or money as the fey are quite partial to those. Wish them well and then leave. If you don't have a garden, but live close to trees, a mound, river, or a forest, leave your offering at the edge, and don't overstep your boundaries, tis never a good idea. You wouldn't like it if someone placed their massive size 9's in your home without an invite now would you?

This marks the end of the summer (tho here in Ireland we've not really had one yet), and the progression towards harvesting the crops in preparation for the winter. So, dig out the gold and fire like cancles, make up your sun wheel (circle with crossed sticks in middle), light your bonfire and celebrate with pastas, fruits, beans and all sorts of lovely fare. Have a laugh and maybe even watch 'midsummers night eve by shakesphere, or read it...

Me and T will be cleaning, setting table and altar and maybe even taking Sophie for a longer walk (providing we've a dry spell when she gets in from work).

Well to you all a blessed Solstice, and a happy midsummer.

G

19th June 2011, What a week....

2011-06-19T16:08:00.000+01:00

Hi folks,

Well I've gone and done it again, I threw my dummy out of the pram and am happy not to retrieve it. I've resigned my position with RSS. I've just deleted a whole 500 words of diatribe aimed at them and Red Ribbon because I'm still pissed off. I'm handing in my letter, keys and their stuff on Monday, and that will then be that. It has taken two goes (well I had to try), to understand that new ideas, methods and opinions are not welcome or warranted. I'm getting over it, but this was a long relationship, since they were in mallow street and I was in uni (2004/5 perhaps), as a volunteer up to the Board of Management, so like any relationship its gonna take time to get over, and NOT want to tear strips of it.

Anyway, I'm going to leave that there, as I could end up saying something I regret and I'm not going to do that lol. Instead why don't we change the subject...

Sophie is moulting like goddess knows what...we brush her & vacuum, and vacuum & brush her every day and still when she comes in there is nothing but white and grey hair all over the place, its not only on the carpet, but on our clothing, the furniture, the blankets, and even...on the counter tops (don't know, haven't a clue). According to everything that we read up on huskies, they only moult twice a year, I'm hoping that there is actually a break between those two times and that it doesn't go on for ever lol.

On this Fathers Day, I find myself still at home on the north circular road, and not out in Shannon where my dad is, but I feel okay as I've sent a txt and wished him well on facebook (even though he isn't on facebook). I feel okay as I know the rest of the family will be all down at his surrounding him with all the love we have, and spoiling him rotten if he allows it. I'm making an oath to myself now that after Dublin Pride I'll go visit for the day. I do really hate Shannon, one of the better ideas I had, was to move out. It was perfect for raising the kids, but after that, I'd have suffocated.

I see that NY is voting on Tuesday about Marriage Equality, I hope it goes ahead as the state that gave birth to PRIDE, where the Queens, Trannies, and LGBT's fought back at stonewall I think they should definitely have it. I'm keeping an eye on it, and on Limerick LGBT which seems to have the same idea. Also, isn't it fantastic that the UN is finally doing something about the inequality, and torture that is perpetrated against LGBT people in the EAST? This week has been a major week of firsts...and seconds lol.

The two kiddies are still not talking to me, I think one has me blocked, doesn't surprise me really, the other will contact me when she needs me. Mick pet sat last Sunday when we went to Dublin for a conference, and has offered to pet sit next Saturday all day when we go to Dublin Pride Parade, so things with him are going well. (you done the uni stuff yet)?

So, I've got to go see where the cats have vanished to (they get out most afternoons for a couple of hours these days), before T comes home from work. Hope your all having a lovely fathers day, and that you all spoil the good ones rotten. Best wishes to all good dads, new dads, grand dads and my dad...lol

G

11th June 2011, new years update...

2011-06-11T09:07:00.001+01:00

Well how are ye all enjoying our Irish Summer, rain, rain, sunspell, rain, and look, lol, more rain. Though, today the sun is shinning outside my window at 8.31, it still feels a little cool indoors, and I haven't had to close the blinds since April...

I thought I might do an update today on where the new years plans have gotten to. At this stage of the game we're half way through the year, so there should be or have been some progress...

In the things I didn't write about, I've given up smoking, I still long for the odd ciggy, but they are gone out of my life right now and I'm fairly happy about that.

In the realm of things that I did write about, lets see house wise we've had the roof sorted, the upstairs sink fixed and the shower sorted out...as for the toilet...I think we're gonna have to go back to the landlord and tell him that he may need to dig up the pipes as when the toilet (down stairs) blocks up, we get a very nasty whiff in the living room just under the wooden stairs.

I'm back in Rainbow again, as a Board Member, and I'm updating the policies and procedures as well as updating the employees contracts. This year we've got a fairly decent and strong board of management, who are seeking to bring RSS back into line with what it is supposed to be doing, and re point the focus towards Limerick and the Mid - West, while keeping tabs on all the national stuff we've gotten involved in. Its tough going, but I think it can be done. Rainbow isn't just for one persons benefit, and when people keep telling us that they thought we'd closed down, or they don't see us enough, it is a bad sign. Hopefully though over the next few months we'll be organised enough that we can actually start going back out in the community and showing our faces again. I have managed to stay away from Pride this year, and I'm enjoying watching the newbies getting to grips with the festival, they are taking to it like ducks to water, and by the sounds of things, its going to be amazing, I for one can't wait to see it all unfold.

My craft room is almost complete, I need a proper sewing machine, and more time lol, which speaks to my own schedule, or lack there off...lol. My time has been taken up by RSS as it usually is when I get involved, but I can't let that be my main focus as there are lots of other things that I need to focus on. I must actually blog about some upcoming projects I'm intrested in getting done.

My writing is coming along nicely, I have a new desk lamp (so I can see the keyboard at night, as we need to replace the over head spots in the house, and they don't have a dimmer switch when they are working so can be overtly bright), I have also begun putting up the first chapter of Sorcery on another one of my blogger sites, this one is under 'the wicked writer', have fun finding it cause I can't lol. I'm already on section five of chapter one...its a long read, but a good one (or so I think lol) this is by no means the last draft of this work, but it is solely mine, and anyone that pinches it, will have so much bad karma and negative shite to deal with...it won't be worth it, it isn't worth it, and you'd be better off coming up with your own work as mine isn't that bloody great to begin with. But this is mine, and I'm enjoying putting it up.

As you can see my confidence levels are beginning to build up, I feel stronger and more able to tackle stuff, though it is a work in progress and maybe at this stage of my life will always be a work in progress.

The Coach House is going to remain our home for the foreseeable future and given that, we're going to treat it like a home, we're going to be painting the house inside and out, freshening up the place, we'll be putting down some raised beds in the courtyard and a little place for Sophie to go digging. We've gotten permission for this already, but we also want to put some decking directly outside the back door, and we'll be getting garden furniture and a BBQ for the courtyard as well (Goddess Willing). It's gonna be so kewl to sit outside and relax in the summer weather (when we get it lol).

Family matters have not improved, it is probably longer than two months between visits, but I get out to see them all when I can, and I've had dad out to see me for a bit. I talk to my sister and sister in law on the computer, and also my nieces from time to time...which is fun and helps me feel a bit more connected. Which is always nice. The decline has come in the fact that Fran and Jin are not talking to me, Fran because a bout of teasing got too much for him to handle and any attempts at rectifying it have gone on deaf ears. Jin has fallen out with me, because I was heavy with house rules when she wanted to move in, and she decided that she didn't want that, and because I can't help her out with the rent for a new place. So, they don't want anything to do with me right now. My other son Mick is still talking to me, and we'll be seeing him tonight as he's pet sitting for us this weekend. ((hugs Mick, Fran and Jin)). Mick seems to be doing all-right, and happy in his life at this point.

As for Triona, my beautiful Sexy wife, she's just had a birthday, I got her a hairy bikers cookbook, we had dinner out and she'd jd &coke, plus wine when we got back in. Life with my wife is beautiful, exciting and amazing. I am so happy everyday to wake up and know that she is here with me, even if she's off working all the time. She makes me laugh, and sometimes we're a little sad, but we're together, and we love each other more and more each day. *hands out sick bags*. Both of us are heading to Dublin tomorrow to attend some group stuff around Trans individuals, who come in and out of RSS. I'm looking forward to it.

Oh, and I'm considering heading back to mary I to finish the diploma in Education (mature students), only issue is, that it costs 4,500 for the year (there is only one year) and its part - time...*sigh* anyone good for a loan...lol

Anyhow, that's my update, how have you done with your new year plans??? Wanna share????

Love, light, laughter and blessings

Gina

Beltane Eve...

2011-04-30T12:31:00.001+01:00

Hello there,

Is anyone still reading this blog?????

Well if ye are, things this end are going brillant. Though I've said it before and no doubt while we still live in this house I'll say it more often, I hate the carpet we have, as all the animals are now loosing their winter coats and moulting all over the damn floor.

We're getting ready for Beltane which is on May the 1st and is a fertility and fire festival. So I'm vacuming the floor and going to clear out the fireplace to put loads, and loads of candles in there to create a beautiful fire. Our Altar will be rearranged to represent the festival, and after Dr. Who which is on at 6pm, myself and my missus I hope will be partaking of some wine and chocolate *grins*

Anyhow, I hope your day is going beautifully, and I'm going to get back to my cleaning...

Take care

Love, laughter, and Bright Blessings to you all

Gina

A new year, a new start?

2010-12-28T12:03:00.000Z

Well folks, 2010 is almost over, for some it has been a tough year and my heart does go out to them, I hope the coming year will be better, will bring what you need. For us, it has been a great year (could do without the water leaks and drafts, but that is just small cheese compared to what others have had happen).

We got married this year, and had an awesome honeymoon in Salem. I stepped back from all my volunteering work as my health and sanity were suffering from them, and this coming year I intend to stay back from them and build up my health and sanity to go back.

I also intend in this coming year to create a craft room that also doubles as a guest room, where I store all my little crafting thingy's, and get to grips with them, the knitting, the crochet, the beading, etc., I also this year intend to get back into the writing, and try to build my confidence enough to try and sell one or two of the things that I write.

Speaking of confidence, that is something else that I intend to work on, I know that what I do, what I craft and what I cook are good, but still I worry that they aren't good enough. I want to learn, to believe in what I do, to know that it is good enough. But I don't need the bullshit either, if it's not good, honestly not good, then it needs to improve and I won't know that unless there is honesty.

I would also like to build on my freindships, I value my freinds, I like to treat them as I'd like to be treated, even to the extent of giving them the benefit of the doubt, chance after chance, but there is only so much that I can take before the realisation kicks in that they aren't worth it. Some have hit that note in this last year gone, I thought I'd miss them, but honestly, it didn't impact. I wan't to stay in touch with all my freinds, so I'll be e-mailing, txting and visiting more often (moula allowing). I feel blessed knowing you all, and thankful for your support when I need it, I only hope that when you need it you won't find me lacking.

With the kids, I want to see them as often as is possible. Fran's in Dublin and Jin is talking about moving up there. Mick is staying I think in Limerick, but it would be nice to see them a little more often, and not just when they need something. The door is always open (as long as we're at home). I want them to have an awesome year in 2011, that everything they need will come to them, and some of their dreams will be fulfilled. For anything that I have screwed up, or upset you over, in the past years, I heartfully apologise, and hope that you will forgive me. I did the best I could, but we aren't all perfect and although sometimes I forget it, we're also only human. I love you all, and care about you deeply.

And as home goes, we'll be getting on the landlords case this year to fix what all needs fixing, he may not appericiate it, but at least the house will be warmer, the shower and bath will both work without leaking, the windows won't be letting all the drafts in, and the sinks, and downstairs toilets will not keep backing and blocking up. Even if we do end up moving this year coming, the house will be better for whomever takes it over. Though, I'd like to stay here if at all possible, its a beautiful home, with so much potential, I'd only ever like to move out when we're in a position to buy a house of our own, so given that we're in a recession, with only one of us working, that might take a while.

Family in Shannon, I'm going to make a concerted effort to get out and see you at least once every two months. Shannon is no longer my home, and while you all live there, and are my blood relations, my family and my rock, I don't have the money, I don't drive, and I don't particularly like Shannon. You've all been good to me, and I've been a little lax in coming to visit. I apologise, but my life is here in Limerick, I love it here, and hope that if you aren't too pissed off, you'll hop in your cars now and again, txt that you're coming, and come visit, you are always welcome.

I also want to follow the wheel of the year, celebrating at least every single sabbat, working on my BOS, learning to make my own tools, and planting herbs. I will be creating our own space for herbs, spices, oils, insence and candles in our kitchen. I will be living the wiccan / Witch way and that will shine through in everything I do. There's a lot of work here to be done, so its feeling like a pretty full year.

So, long winded and rambling in parts eh...well I'm almost done for this post, just one more very, very important person to include in all this....

My darling Triona, I promise in this new year to do my best not to be a grumpy shite, to try and be more supportive when you are feeling underpressure, and not to go off spending the moula willy nilly when we need it for other stuff. I promise to do my best to cook more often and as I'm the home bird, ensure that the house is a lot more clean, and cosy for you when you come in from a hard day out working. I promise to do my best to stay ontop of all the bills, and repairs, to believe in what we can do together, because working as a team, we're awesome and no one can stand against us. I promise to love you, to hold you, to hug you, to cuddle you and to always be there no matter what.

Now, what are you going to do in this coming year, what changes will you make? Do you think you need to change?

Gina

howdy folks...

2010-12-03T11:08:00.000Z

Ah, winter time, so nice to look out from a warm home at the huskey playing in the snow. Only problem with this weather and the beauty of snow is memories of last year, when we ended up with no water, and had to rely on freinds and the neighbours for water to use the toilet and boil the kettle.

I'm so paranoid about it at the moment, that I'm afraid to put on the dish washer and the washing machine incase the water goes. We've already lost the shower, but I'm hoping that it's down to a circut or sommit. We've contacted the landlords reps in hopes that someone will come out and have a look at it, but so far not even an awknowledgement of the recpit of the e-mail.

Also the bath is leaking, which is a bitch as I need to have a shower or a bath at the mo. I think I'm going to leave it till later this evo and just fill the tub, we'll put the pots under the leak in the kitchen and capture the water, then if we run out at least we have a head start on water for the toilet lol.

Later on this evo, myself and triona will be blocking up a hole under the stairs in the outer wall that seems to be letting in one hell of a draft. We offically know this as a flag we brought back from Salem is hanging on the stone wall just over the bottom three steps and is blowing like theres a damn breeze!

We've also asked the landlords rep to find out if its okay to hang a curtain pole over the front door in order to keep out the drafts from there and will be (money goddess willing), purchasing the curtains to hang from the pole there, and by our beautiful stained glass window, the back door and the living room courtyard windows next week and the week after.

Yup, it's a beautiful house, an amazing home, the place we got handfasted, the scene of many beautiful evenings with our freinds, but there is a lot in the winter going against it. We're going to try and sort out a few of these things with the help of the landlord and his rep this year, and quite possibly, if this doesn't work out, look for someplace else come next year. There is so much that needs to be done, if we owned it, we'd be doing it, but we don't own it, and getting stuff done is slow and dead stop. Landlord is lovely, its the reps that seem to be slowing the pace, though I could be wrong.

Other than that, christmas will be a small affair this year, after the handfasting, the honeymoon, catching up on bills and rent, we're sufficantly broke lol. So this year, the gifts will be tiny, the tree will be up and there will be food on the table. As long as we still have water, we'll have a good one. Just need to stop being so damn paranoid and just get on with it.

I'm going to look on the bright side of life, continue dancing, singing and laughing and we'll get through it.

sorry for the *blah* post I hadn't intended it...but there ya go.

Time to go get a hot cup of coffee, and put on the dishwasher...keep yer fingers crossed for us and we'll keep ours crossed for you. Enjoy your day whatever you are doing and may the goddess and god bless you and keep you all safe.

Love light and blessings.

G.

What a beautiful day.

2010-11-21T12:26:00.000Z

Lunch time already, where does the time go? T slept in this morning and arrived to work with no socks (hugs to T). We're settling back in after all the whooo haaa of being handfasted and being out of Ireland for over a week. The animals have settled right back in and sophie is in need of some retraining...i.e. her manners. We've begun taking down from the bedroom all the stuff we'd packed away and looking for homes for the many wonderful gifts that we got for our handfasting. Thank you sincerly to all who gave the gifts, they are beautiful. We still have plates and bowls that belong to some people who brought food, and if you want to drop by and pick them up feel free to do so during the week.

As promised here are some pics from our hag, drag and stag night, the handfasting and our honeymoon.

me and T before we got to 31 thomas street

some of the wacky people who attended and organised our hag, drag and stag night

our amazing cake

the amazing altar and ceremony space, right in front of our fire place.

house of the seven gables

sign for the memorial

the lobster shanty, good food and atmosphere, down artisan's way.

A replica priate ship

Well that's just a selection of photos, the rest are actually up on facebook. Thanks again to everyone that helped us make our day and our honeymoon so very speical. We love you all, and will carry those memories with us forever. Light, love and blessings to you all.

Morning folks

2010-11-13T09:38:00.002Z

What a couple of weeks, wow!

Well, we had our handfasting and what an absolutely fantastic day. I think that everyone that came to our day enjoyed themselves, I know that by them being there it made the day even more fantastic for both of us. The cake was only amazing wasn't it? I mean WOW, and it tasted scrummy as well.

Thank you to everyone that helped to make the day special for us, to Steve, Frank, Tracy, Poppy, Mike, Evan, Mick, Fran, all the knot tiers (even though you didn't get to tie a knot), but we thank you for your blessings and well wishes, to Hazel, and every single one of the people who brought food, and ALL our guests. We love you all. Conor I hope you are feeling much better and to Emmon and Dolf, who took photos even though that wasn't why we wanted you there. They are amazing and we'll be printing them off and adding them to our album in the coming week.

Our honeymoon in Salem was only amazing, we'd an absoulute ball, and brought home many treasures. Thank you to Mike for booking it for us, I couldn't imagine a better honeymoon for us both than Salem. We loved the wiccan theme, and paying our respects to those who were killed during the witch trails, as well as the shopping and the pirate end of the town.

We're home now, and our pets are settling in with us again after their own holidays in Jockey Hall. Right now T is resting, Sophie our siberian is out side getting reaquinted with the scents and smells of her home, and the cats are happy out exaiminig all the things we brought back.

Me, well after hitting the hay at 6 last night, I was up bright eyed and busy tailed around 7 this morniing, I'm on my second cup of French Vanillia Dunkin Doughnuts coffee, and typing this up on the computer. I'll be doing more posts during the week, with photos.

Again, thanks to you all and if anyone left dishes, with us, feel free to come by during the coming week to pick them up, they are all washed out and ready to go.

I think for me now a shower is in order, so I'm going to do that.

love to you all G & T.

long overdue update...

2010-10-18T14:05:00.000+01:00

Hey all, well the story so far is this, we've gotten our rings, we've had our hag, drag and stag night, we've most of the stuff sorted for the handfasting and are just waiting for the week of it now to finish of the minor little details, like house cleaning, dog and cats to the kennel's and cattery, decorations to be hung, wine being delivered and food getting cooked....we'll also be packing away a few of our more precious items incase of breakage and also to make room for some of our halloween stuff indoors as well.

We still have to get a table and desk from RSS, and chairs from some freinds for guests, and the music from our freinds, I still have to finish my cloak, but that shouldn't take too long, I had to put a stay on it yesterday as I'd found out me dad is in hospital, he was bleeding into his calostomy bag and they've kept him in, they said they would operate on tuesday and have now changed their minds to doing some probing to find out if he has a growth on his kidney that could be causing the bleed.

It's all rather stressful, but what can we do, just sit and wait and keep with our planning and bits and bobs...it's all going to work out in the end. I will be popping in to see him on Tuesday and try to take his mind off things as he's stressing a little. Anyway, time to go sort out our late lunch...chat laters gators...

G&T

Carpets...I hate 'em...

2010-08-01T10:14:00.000+01:00

I have just spent the past two hours (since 8ish), vacuming 2/4 of our living room floor.

Not such a big deal you say...I disagree...

Anyone that has ever been to our house know a few reasons as to why that would tire me out and have me sweating like an eeget...

Our living room is massive (and I do mean massive)
We own a siberan huskey that is for some reason still molting
The dyson isn't working that well
I suffer from a bad back

I wish we'd wooden floors as brushing up the hairs would be an easier job. Siberian hairs tend to stick into the carpet so you have to really push the vacum through the carpet in order to pick up the hairs. There's nothing we can do about this as we don't own this wonderful house, but are merely renting it.

I swear when we move again to a house that will be our own home (no renting), we're having wooden floors all over. A few rugs for warmth, but that is it. I love wooden floors, more now than ever before. Especially with a pug pup who likes to pee and crap where it wants to.

I'm taking time out at the moment to relax before I start on the other 2/4's which is a lot worse than the first two.

I think a coffee is in need right now.

G.

This Past Week.

2010-07-31T12:13:00.002+01:00

This week has been nuts, between my youngst wrenching her neck and us both ending up in Emergency, then minding her for 3 nights till the swelling went down and to ensure that she took her pain meds, anti - inflamatories and her muscle relaxants, as well as dog sitting a mini pug pup while its mommies are out of town has us both wrecked beyound belief.

We've never been so tired, even napping during the day isn't helping. It's worse for T as she has had to go to work, and we've done nothing this week towards our handfasting. I've only printed out three invites and handed those out...NEXT WEEK for defo.

We still need to get some names and address of people so we can send theirs onto them. I do have my dress, its a lovely black number with plaited straps. The dress is empire line style, a shorter inner skirt to the calf, and a longer more floaty outer skirt. I'm thinking of adding some sparkly stuff to it, and doing something with the over skirt sot that it splits and flows when I'm walking, but that's just a thought.

I'm handing back the material that I was given and the pattern to the freind that gave it, as I won't be using it...it's a pity tho, as the multi coloured material would have made a drop dead cloak, I guess I'm going to have to find something else to fit that bill.

My headress is almost ready to be made up, yes folks I'm making it myself. It's going to be a circlet, I've got the flowers and some of the glittery bits, but I need some more. This is going to be a challange, but well worth it, as it will be uniquely mine.

I have black sandels up stairs that I got for the RB last year, so with a little shimmer, they'll just be awesome under the dress (I can't wait).

We seriously need to book time with our cake maker to do the cake tasting, so that we know what we want inside our cake. We know what desgin we want it, a cauldron base, a pumpkin middle and a wee witch and chef on top...should be totally awesome.

http://scariefaires3ginaandtrionashandf.weebly.com/ is our handfasting website, go on check it out. I'm adding stuff on a practically daily basis. Let me know what you think. It contains lots of sugary sweet items about how we met, how I proposed and what happens at a handfasting. Why have one you may ask, well....why not? It's fun and gives everyone a chance to see what we're up to. LOL.

Sophie as well as myself and T are looking forward to tomorrow, that's when MLOKI goes home with mama, we honestly don't mind having her, she's such a dote, but sophie doesn't like her and sees her as an interloper who is getting all the attention, so we're constantly worried about MLOKI ending up as an apparatiff for our siberian huskey. That would not be good at all. So I think puppy sitting / dog sitting is out of the question in the foreseeable future.

Also check out http://www.limerickpride.ie/ which is now active and contains on its front page an image of the organisers, and one of them is MOI...lol. It's not a bad image, just could have photoshopped my tummy out guys! *sigh* my job this year is coordinating the parade and block party, and helping my beloved T organise a Limerick LGBTQ Historical Archive. This is a lot of work...a lot lol.

Next year I won't be part of the organising, I've had enough for now, its been fun, but I get way to stressed out lately and they don't need another year of that do they lol. So instead we're going to manchester pride, vancouver and off to germany with freinds for the eurovision and to celebrate a birthday. So we'll be knackered lol.

anyway, that's enough for now...time to finish my coffee and have a ciggy before letting sophie out the back and making sure the cats haven't been eaten by the pug.

love, light and blessings to you all.

G.

Good Morning...Today consists of...

2010-07-28T07:47:00.000+01:00

...heading into town and picking up my unemployment...

...going to hickey's and picking up some more flowers for my circlet...

...picking up phone and computer credit (as i'm out of both and using T's)...

...picking up a can of dog food and puppy pads for MLoki...

...heading home and hopefully a chance to catch up on missed sleep...

I'm knackered, and my back is fecked...oh the joys

Wow, is it that time already????

2010-06-25T14:07:00.000+01:00

Looking at the little clock on my computer I'm just realising that its almost 2 o'clock...wow, didn't realise that.

I'm not long awake, I have a cold, it came on full force yesterday and had been leading up to coming on for three days previous. I'm taking uniflu and lemsip to try knock this bugger on the head. Lying on the couch, with the quilt round me, and kicking it off because I'm too warm...I hate summer colds...actually I hate colds full stop.

My babe has gone to nenagh to visit with her folks, and I'm missing her terribly. She has a week off this week, as orginally our handfasting was supposed to take place this week. We've already spent two days rearranging the living room to something that's a little more open and conversation orientated. I love it and T. says she loves it too.

This weeks a tough one, we've had to fork out 850 for rent again (it bounced back as we'd not enough last week) and they'll be looking for this months around tuesday...so when babe gets back we'll need to sort that out, like filling in a new standing order. (that took me two min to remember the name as my brain is a little mushy right now).

I'm still in my pj's and will need to go get dressed in a few minutes...handfasting plans have been on hold...and I need to get back into the swing of things, like checking out what we still need to do, updating our wedding invite list and making out an overall 'things to do' list.

We've paid for the booking of the preistess, and all bar a few quid of the honeymoon. The hold up is because of all the moula we're paying on the rent, the oil, the esb and the fact that we need to eat...occassionally...its pissing me off as several months ago we asked the estate agent to ask the landlord for a rent reduction which would take some of the stress off us both. But as of yet nothing and they are so bloody demanding when it comes to rent...even tho we've laid out the reasons for asking, such as still 600 euros of a gas bill to pay, and the gas company are being prats wanting it all now...its hard enough planning a handfasting without that shit going on as well.

So, what else is new....I have to go to the gardi, or ring them to ensure that they got the stuff that I'd sent them re, the pride parade and street party, I've had to miss the pride meeting this week as I really wasn't well enough to attend, and quite frankly feel like there may have been head ripping done if I'd have attended as I have the patience of a knat around about now.

Okay, time to move my butt and sick or no sick, straighten up the house before T gets back from nenagh...also a shower could help me feel better. *sigh* move yer ass molloy, its only a bloody cold!!!

G.

Weekly Update

2010-06-12T11:13:00.000+01:00

Hello there,

It's been a bitch of a week, I found out last week that an old freind passed away rather suddenly, we knew that he was ill, but we weren't aware of the extent of that illness. Shock set in and other freinds were contacted. The wake was on the 8th of June at his sisters home, I went down with a freind of ours to offer our condolences and it was a good thing, we got to say goodbye to his earthly self.

The following day another freind drove to the funeral, where we bid his spiritual self a good bye, the wee church was packed out, people couldn't get in, so remained outside during the service, inside the seats were filled and people lined the side aisles, the ceremony was beautiful, there was singing, music and tearjearking moments.

By the graveside it looked as if there were close to 300 people, from every walk of life, from the top down. He was a wonderful person. An amazing dancer, fantastic with the tin whistle, and one hell of an activist. He will be forever fondly remembered. Again at the graveside there was music playing, and people milling around. Later there was tea and sandwiches laid on in a community hall not far away, all in all it was a beautiful send off.

When I think of him, and what he achieved in his life, I think that he packed so much in, Paddy lived.

The day after the stress of the previoius two days kicked in and I was as sick as a dog, which wasn't fair as it was my babe's birthday. She came out to her mom the day before while I was at the burial. I'm so proud of my baby. Our freinds Steve and Frank dropped by, and we'd a nice evening with wine, pizza and loads of chat *grins*.

Last night Sam, Juile and Billie dropped by and again pizza, chat and beer where had. Two fun nights circled around my lady. She so deserved it. She's most definatly a kick ass woman, and now this morning she's up at 5.30 and in work for 6.

My stomach is still not 100%. My back is fucked and I finally have a day today that I can use to do what I want to do.

G.

The Besom, What is it and why we need one at our Handfasting...

2010-05-28T12:16:00.000+01:00

The witches besom or broom is an integral part of a pagan witches tools which is used to sweep away negativity and create a sacred space in which to work.

When used as part of a Handfasting the Besom is decorated with flowers and maybe even inscribed with sacred symbols, at the end of the ceremony the couple who have just been handfasted jump over the broom to mark their first foray into life as one.

To do this, two people who are attending, hold the besom by the handle and by the bristles slightly off the ground, then the couple who have just been joined, jump over it or step over it.

My own broom that I have had for years is looking a little tattered, and myself and T would like to try and make a new besom for the occassion. We will then have it decked out in flowers and ribbions and it will stand by the altar until the end of the ceremony.

Gina

Hanfasting Ribbon What is it?

2010-05-28T11:54:00.000+01:00

This is a handfasting ribbon, as a matter of fact, its very simular to the one we'll be using in our handfasting. Including the Trinity Knot on top.

This is tied around both peoples hands, and knotted in place, only to be removed at the end of the ceremony with the knots inplace. The ribbon we will be using has 13 colours in it, but couples can choose colours accoring to what it is that they want to emphasise in their married lives. I've chosen 13 because I like the colours and their meanings, and 13 is a powerful number in the craft.

We chose the Trinity Knot because we had one, and would you believe, everything from engagement rings and wedding rings so far are all connected to Trinity. *grins*

So the colours what do they stand for...???

Red: passion, strength, lust, fertility
Orange: encouragement, attraction, kindness, plenty
Yellow: charm, confidence, joy, balance
Green: finances, fertility, charity, prosperity, health
Blue: tranquility, patience, devotion, sincerity
Purple: Power, piety, sanctity, sentimentality
Black: strength, wisdom, vision, success
White: purity, concentration, meditation, peace
Gray: neutrality, canceling, balance
Pink: unity, honor, truth, romance, happiness
Brown: earth, grounding, talent, telepathy, home
Silver: treasure, values, creativity, inspiration
Gold: energy, wealth, intelligence, longevity

http://www.squidoo.com/Handfasting-Wedding-Ritual

So, that's one of the things that I actually do have, just got to attach the Trinity Knot to the ribbon and we're all set.

Gina

What is a Handfasting and why are we doing one????

2010-05-28T11:44:00.000+01:00

Handfasting is an old Celtic and Pagan wedding. This is a ceremony whereby two individuals agree to be joined together for a year and a day. Some view this as a precursor to becoming officially wed, but in the pagan ceremony you can actually dictate longer as in 'eternaity', during the ceremony there is an exchange of rings and the couple who are being handfasted are tied together. In ancient times they would remain tied until they had consummated the marriage. The quarters are represented (earth, air, fire and water), and they are acknowledged. There is also jumping over the broom or Besom as part of the Handfasting traditions.

In Modern times however, there is no longer a need to be joined until the marriage is consummated, so the ribbon is removed (without undoing the knots), at the end of the ceremony. This ceremony is presided over by a priest and priestess or just a priest or priestess.It is for Pagans a very sacred rite, and is not entered into lightly.

Myself and T have both decided to have a handfasting because I am pagan and I've been studying the craft for a while now. We both also love the ties it has to the old Celtic ways.

We are both aware that while Handfasting is now legal in Ireland, that we will still not be legally wed as we're both women and well, that still isn't legal in this country, though there are signs that civil union might be in before the end of the year, which will give us some rights, but not all...*le sigh* Church weddings are not my thing, been there and done that, I don't think T would want one anyway...so whats the big deal? take the church out of the equation and just view us as people...

Anyway, that's a brief description of handfasting, if you want more detail, look it up on the net. There are loads of sites that explain it in way fuller detail.

Gina

Handfasting Updates 28th May 2010

2010-05-28T11:22:00.000+01:00

Okay, just looking to the right of this wobbly desk and checking my TO DO list concerning the Handfasting, and lets see....

I have been working on the interior of the invitation cards, and they are almost complete.

We've decided that due to Carnahalla wanting too much for using the mount and teas and coffees that we will now be hosting the ceremony at home in our courtyard.

My daughter has the material for my dress and cloak and is working on them as I type.

I still haven't been able to find a besom, but myself and T have decided to try and make our own as it would lend more to the besom, its magic and our ceremony.

I have the handfasting Ribbons and will be attaching the charm to them in the next week.

I still have to work out the quarters and who will be representing what element (earth, air, fire and water)

Both my sons will be walking with me to the altar

We have provisonally booked the preistess and will be fully booking her with luck next week.

We've got the dog and Cats booked into the kennels / cattery (sophie needs shots)

Credit Union account opened.

So as far as my list goes, I've almost got it done, just to complete the items in bold and i'm done lol.

hello out there....

2010-05-20T10:42:00.000+01:00

So, I finally managed to resign as Chair of RSS and I'm happy out. I've had my self two sleepy in days and the handfasting plans are moving on at a wonderful pace (need to put credit in my phone). I won't be staying away however as I will be accompying T. into RSS on mondays as she's still on the Board of Management and the admin does be in on mondays with no one to cover with her.

Today Thursday 20th of May, my plans are quite simple, put away laundry, fill dishwasher, get a shower, go get wash tabs for washing machine, come home put on clothing wash, empty dishwasher, refill...and begin clearing off my bookshelves next to my desk.

It would be nice to have a big fuck off desk in the living room to spread all my stuff on when I'm writing and when I'm helping triona with her archives as the wee one we have is quite rickity at the moment lol and is threatening us with falling apart on a daily basis.

I will be updating this blog, a witches blog and a writing blog that I have as well....that is once I find the log in and password codes lol.

My babe is working and I think we'll be going to the credit union this evo in order to start the saving for the handfasting.

Sophie and the cats seem to be happy out and well chilled out as well.

So, first real day of relaxing (ish) lol.

Gina

Sunday 16th of May 2010

2010-05-16T09:54:00.000+01:00

Morning folks,

Just an update to let you know how things are going.

The handfasting plans are gaining momentem, we've been in touch with caranahalla and have provisonally booked the sacred mout out there to hold the ceremony on. I need to call back on Monday (tomorrow) just to make sure.

I have contacted the Pagan Federation and have spoke to someone about getting a preistess to preside over the ceremony. As I am Pagan, I would rather have this done right.

Our rings have been half paid for and are both stunning, they are white gold and they each have three stones in them.

Next week I will be purchasing the handfasting ribbion, I'll go with each of the 13 colours that have been described on a website that I visited to do with handfasting ribbons, as 13 is a sacred number.

Sophie, Diana and Apollo have been provisionally booked into the Jockey Kennels for the duration of the handfasting and the honey moon.

The honey moon to Salem has been booked and will be paid for by the end of this week (touch wood).

My Daughter Jineen is making my dress for me, and I need to meet with her this week to iron out any issues with it.

Triona has come up with a couple of desgins for our invitation, and we should have them ready to go by next week.

We've made out the list of guests to the ceremony and the afters.

The Afters will be held in our home in Iona Drive

Triona has spoken to some people about wine and food.

We will be talking to a flowerist about flowers as soon as I can find a broom to decorate as Jumping the Broom is part of the ceremony.

I have to sort out who will be representing each of the elements and corners at the ceremony.

We've to decide on what kind of wedding cake we want, definatly a halloween one.

The afters will be fancy dress, the ceremony in regular clothing, with boots as it will probally be mucky.

We're getting a gazaboo next time we've a few quid to spare.

We're opening up a CU account to help us with the costs

And we've worked out a budget which leaves us with very little a week to spend on much else.

So....I think we're on schedule lol. Now we managed to do all this in the space of a week once I'd decided that RSS was going by the wayside in order for us to do this and for me to sort out my health issues.

Brightest of blessings to you all.

Gina

Good Morning...

2010-05-12T10:07:00.001+01:00

Hello there,

Well I've made my decision, I'm stepping down and away from RSS. I have given this decision some serious thought and have made up my mind that this is the only way forward for me.

I have been sick on and off for the past while and now its time for me to concentrate on my health, my home life and other projects that I've been putting on hold for a very, very long time. I've enjoyed a great deal of my time with RSS, but lately it hasn't held the same passion for me. But they are not something I feel comfertable sharing with the greater community out there so I wont.

But I want it understood that this was not done lightly, I still believe in RSS and what it stands for, I still believe that it can be oh so much more than what it is, and that it should be at the heart of the limerick community. But I'm not the person to do that at this stage. After Friday the 14th of May it will no longer be my problem as I am with drawing altogether. I won't even be volunteering (way to easy to be dragged back in if I remain as one).

I will also be leaving Red Ribbon, which although its only one meeting a month, I was only there as a rep for RSS, and as I will no longer be part of that, I won't be part of RR either.

I may keep on pride. I'm still pondering that one.

So what am I going to do with all my free time?

Well my darlings, I'm going to get my health in order,
I'm going to walk Sophie more, and do some training with her.
I'm going to focus on our handfasting, which I've been pushing to one side (prioroties eh?)
I'm going to get back into my reading
I'm going to get back into my writing
I'm going to help T with getting us our own morgage and finding that dream cottage
I'm going to finish off my knitting and crochet projects
I'm going to work on my Witch, and wicca study
I'm going to see my kids more often
I'm going to update this thing more often
I'm going to scrub this house from top to bottom (its clean, but it needs a spring clean)
I'm going to meet people for lunch and chat to them about stuff other than RSS and RR
I may learn to drive
I'm going to attend an assertiveness class as I believe I need it
I'm going to work on my confidence levels and self - esteem as it has taken quite a battering lately.
and I may even get my beloved and myself over to england and visit Wadj which we've been talking about, but not had the time or finaces to do, (probally be next year as the handfasting takes presidence).

So I'm not going to be sitting at home, moping and wondering what could have been, I'm concentrating on me. I've spent the last number of years looking out for my family, looking out for OUT in UL, looking out for RSS and RR, and studying.

I think now truely, I am going to be looking after me and T. There are things I want to do, things I've been putting off, and after friday the 14th I will finally be able to do them.

freedom

Its beautiful

Love Light and many, many blessings to you all

Gina

What a couple of weeks....

2010-04-22T08:01:00.000+01:00

It's been tough, starting out trying to be tough as backbone was needed in order to deal with some situations, especially those where you know you need to talk to someone and you know that you can't because they don't hear what you're saying, then when you do try to assert some sort of authority, or backbone you get slapped down and told that its not your place to do this, and you're left wondering, well if its not my place then whose is it?

Friction and bad blood do not make for a good, working or in my case 'voluntary' working situation. It creates an air of 'well you told me that I was in charge, and now your telling me that I'm not and that I'm over stepping my boundaries, what the fuck' situation.

Basically, what it boils down to is that I'm fast losing intrest and the desire to keep banging my head offa the wall, I think I shall be stopping soon, as I don't think anything that you are involved in and not getting paid for should be taking up your every waking and non waking moment. Switching off right now is not happening, as there is so much that needs to be sorted.

I want to be 100% committed as I believe in this, but you've taken it all away from me, all I have left now is a half hearted desire, which I truely dislike you for. No wonder things are going arse shaped. But that will be gone soon, as I've made up my mind, I'm not going to be staying around to get kicked repeatedly or defend what you are doing. I'm coming to the end of my rope, but before I go, I have some things that I need to do, to try just so that I can look back and say...I TRIED even if you didn't want me to.

Yup its a ramble, and today I'm feeling blah, so tomorrow it may be different, the hormones are raging, PMS is a right bitch.

Wedding plans are chaging, and evolving, we've gotten our rings booked and paying them off when we can, we've booked the honey moon and are paying that off, just need to get moving on the rest, that is the one great thing that I can see right now, I can't wait to be joined, to be hers, my darling sexy sweet spiderchef.

Bills are piling up, have contacted the agent for this place and he's busy aparently *sigh* I will be calling him again, to see if he got the two messages I've left with a week or two apart about reducing the rent, so we can better cope with the bills. Yes I do understand that the landlord doesn't nesscarily need to do that, but seriously, in this day and age, with money being cut left right and centre and other landlords doing it...we haven't asked for that much of a reduction, and we do love this place...but in the end its up to him isn't it.

I need a job.

*sigh*

I need to resgin

I need to cheer up and get the feck over it!

Gina

hi di hi...hows the day of the Irish finding ya?

2010-03-17T12:50:00.000Z

Well now me darlings, how is this most glorious and Irish of days finding ya? Well I'm at home, relaxing and enjoying a nice lunch...my babe is working and the dog is once again up on the window ledge...(it always manages to freak me out when she does that!)...she's been fed and I'm going to let her in shortly so that we both can go for a wee nap.

I've been feeling quite knackered lately...I know I shouldn't complain, still haven't done the doctor thing, but in my defence I was supposed to go today, only its paddy's day and well every where is shut...joys of living in Ireland eh?

Oh my dear sweet gay freinds have you checked out Madges new FAG issue?
Check out FAG here...

http://cacatalk.blogspot.com/2010/03/fag-for-amazing-gays.html?zx=8bcc9a754655b4ff

The raido is confused, its playing regular music and Irish music...or is it me that's confused by the music on the radio? I won't be going to the parade today, I really dont feel like being joustled, but I'd love to see all the pic's on Facebook.

Oh...keep an eye out for the I LOVE LIMERICK float...it should be fablis.

I've been thinking of reviving Alphabet Soup Limerick, but the thing is, I don't have time, and I don't want to even scuff the toes of the new FAG mag that Madge has up and running...so I'm thinking of turning Alphabet Soup Limerick into a Volunteers, Staff and Board of Management of Rainbow Support Services Magazine...or...come up with another title...

See, I think the newsletter / mini mag served its purpose...It infomed and got others thinking about what they would do if they had the op...and I'd like to think, and I hope I'm not being to presumptious here, that it helped give birth to something rather fablis in FAG.

So, maybe creating something that the Vols, PS and BOM have for themselves would be more of an option for me to do...not as time consuming and not as frustrating in getting articles from people for it. So, maybe its time just to bury Alphabet Soup Limerick and move on. Yup, methinks that would be best...if you notice the sites connected with ASL changing, and having a new name (still thinking on that one), don't worry, its just me implementing my new idea lol.

Well a Chardie, my coffee is going cold, the ciggy is almost smoked to the filter...and I'm definatly in the mood for a snooze.

Take care, have a fantastic day and if you are drinking (which most of you will be), please don't drive.

Love, light and blessings...

Bridgina Molloy

hi yup...

2010-03-14T13:10:00.000Z

yummy, spag bol, and garlic bread for lunch, T is going to really love me lol.

Bummed that we missed the majority of the fireworks last night, we caught some as we took sophie for a walk down towards the shannon bridge. We'd to turn back half way as it ended and everyone started making their way back to their cars which were parked on the footpath making it very dangerous for us and the dog.

Saw pics up on line of Mike from Riddlers birthday bash, it looked awesome. Place was packed and it showed in the pics for a change. Nice going and Happy B*day again Mike.

Half of Limericks gay scene has left to go to dubla tonight as Ms. Heidi Hotlips goes to dublin to bring the crown of Alternative Ms. Ireland back to limerick. I wish her well, the last time this was done was when Sheila Fitts Patrick won both Alternative Ms. Limerick and Alternative Ms. Ireland in the one year in 2008 (if I've the date wrong shelia feel free to lambaste me lol).

We're not going as funds are tight enough at the moment without adding that to the list of what we need or want to do. I'm looking forward to seeing the pics and vids online and I know she's going to knock them dead. No matter what Hedi, yer the tops.

Our plans for the day? well that's simple, catch up with pinapple studios on the box (missed it this week), and go to bed early as we'd the cats in with us last night and didn't get much sleep. My poor baby is knackered.

I'd like to also wish all moms, no matter where they are, happy mothers day. My own is passed on and I do miss her so give yers a big hug while ye still have them.

So, due to having spag bol, wine and garlic bread I'm now feeling a bit tired...time methinks for a nappy nap.

Have a great rest of the day folks.

G.

An early start to the day....

2010-03-13T08:10:00.000Z

and I'm almost finished with the computer stuff I usually do, so T don't kill me but I may end up going doing the shopping on my own. Your working till three and usually kanackered so it's the least I can do.

We're having a guest this evo, which is fablis. We're nearly all ready for them to arrive, hence doing the shopping as early as possible so that I can have that all unpacked and away when they arrive. We can sit and chill until T arrives home, or they can wander into town if they so wish.

I may however have to cancel a coffee date, or get the coffee date to arrive out here for coffee...*hum* there ya go that might work.

Did ye catch the English Eurovision show last night...?

To my english freinds and readers, I am about to offend ye...

I've watched X factor (the english version) I know ye have better singers than that...some couldn't even hit the high notes...and the song...its very twiiiiiieeeee isn't it?

Catchy tho, by the third run through I was able to get some of the words and sing along with it..

Oh...have you seen GaGa's new vid, wacked out, crazy and totally awesome, well in my mind anyhow lol. Lots of potential for Drag Queens to rip off. Check it out and get back to me...lol http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ95z6ywcBY&feature=player_embedded

so, two more blogs to update and I'm outta here, shower and then take sophie for a walk, then go shops...have a beautiful and wonderous day...byes!!!

G.

Morning...

2010-03-12T09:45:00.000Z

well hello there, how are ye?

In latest news...our handfasting maybe pushed back to samhain...things aren't working out financially at the moment...*sigh*

I'm going to be in town later today (friday the 12th of March), to meet freinds for lunch, for coffee and someone I've not seen in some time.

This may end up being a very busy weekend...

sophie is wanting her walk, and I've spent the morning on my facebook accounts and Gay in Limerick...she's not impressed...I don't blame her...lol

right so...

what's next?

why is it...

2010-03-10T13:12:00.002Z

when I come on here and search for more blogs to follow that might be that little bit intresting to me...I find the religious contingent and the forgein language lot...*sigh* I don't speak anything other than english...I think its nuts as I know there are some really intresting blogs out there supported by blogger...I just can't seem to find them...grrrrr

Afternoon...

2010-03-10T12:55:00.000Z

It was strange to arrive into town this morning (limerick city), in a cab I'd rang and find out that there was a cab strike on. I thought for a couple of minutes there that I wasn't going to be able to make it home, or worse...have to rely on a bus service that stops around 6, and isn't really that reliable...(I'm going to have to start doing that anyway soon).

I understand the motivation behind the strike, at one time we'd not enough taxis in the cities, but now and especially with the recession having hit the city hard, we now find our selves with too many. Taxi drivers want the transport minister to stop handing out licences willy nilly at least until the end of the recession and then review matters again.

I understand where they are coming from, taxi ranks here in the city are full every day with cabs, and no one can afford to take one unless they really need to. I personally think its only right to stop handing out the licences until recession is over, as those already with a licence are finding it hard to make a living, imagine what it would mean to some new SOB starting out...dire...

Good Morning...

2010-03-09T11:48:00.000Z

Well, how is ya?

This afternoon we're heading into town, we'll be meeting some freinds for coffee, getting some wash tabs for the wash machine, going to Rainbow to meet another freind, and then heading towards Leamy House where we will pick up some bags of stuff that got left behind in the move and hand back the keys I have to the premises.

My honey has been provisionally accepted as part of the board of management, as has an old freind from Uni who has a degree in Law. They have to show up at the next BOM meeting to ratify their positions on the board.

Sophie has been out for her short walk, which she enjoyed and yes, she's still pulling like the dickens.

Did ye watch the acedemy awards last night on tv, wasn't sandras remarks leaving the stage just awesome...I do like that woman.

anyway...

lunch?

yup.

G.

hi...

2010-03-06T12:47:00.000Z

I have a small headache, probally my sinus's deciding to give me gip. I've walked sophie (short walk, till she gets better on the lead), I've put on the washing, and the dishwasher, and been on facebook and GIL...*sigh* what's left for a girl to do eh?

Last week myself and T helped move Rainbow Support Services from Leamy House, to Foxes Bow. Rainbow is the charity that I'm Chairperson of in Limerick City, Ireland. At the moment like most charities we're in the shits lol, our funding won't come in until May, and we'll be almost broke in April...don't you just love recessions and having to pay bills?

There's been quite a lot of negativity around the project for a while and I aim to try and motivate our volunteers, our staff and our Board of Management at a meeting I'm chairing in two weeks time...just need to figure out how to do it. I also want to cut out the dead wood and get them going on fundraising activities.

My back is killing me from lugging the stuff from one place to another as is T's back and the backs of all those who participated in the move. I hope that the new building and the chance to shake things up will help the project.

This EVO, I'm hoping to get in to see Alice in Wonderland in 3D. I'm waiting for T to give me a bell so we can figure out if I'm picking her up, or if we're going to wait till closer the time to go in. Its on after 6.00 pm.

I'm happy today just to spend it lolling around as on Monday, I'm in for two BOM (Board of Management) meetings. Wedensday sees the 2nd open Pride Meeting being held in Riddlers Bar, I'm not a fan of holding meetings in bars, but if thats where they want it and as I'm not a designated committee member (don't hold a position), then who am I to argue. On Thursday I'm in RSS most of the day, and Friday I think is free. Oh, I promised T that on Wed of this week coming I'd go visit my doctor and have a chat about the test results, he's not called me so I'm taking it that they didn't find anything ontoward.

Sophie is lying outside curled up on one of the garden chairs, having ate her lunch and now seemingly full.

well, that's that done...what's next?

Gina

my new aires horoscope for 2010, march will not be my month

2010-02-27T09:17:00.002Z

Until about the 10th, you may feel short-tempered, especially during family interaction. Wonder why your tolerance for trivial matters seems to have evaporated? Your ruling heavenly body, Mars, the planet of Drive and Aggression, is at the tail end of a lengthy cycle, which comes to an official close on the 10th, the final day of this cycle. This intensifies anger and depression. With this knowledge, take action to counteract Mars' jarring effects. Chill. Physical activity will help keep you balanced. Fresh air cleanses your mind. Exercise outdoors is more invigorating than in a gym. Steer clear of junk food. Nourish yourself with plenty of fruits and veggies. And most importantly, lay off alcohol until the New Moon on the 15th. Expect changes at work. Don’t wait to be told what to do. Be proactive. Innovate. Your own ideas can increase efficiency. Your initiative and out-of-the box thinking will score you points with superiors. Behave as though you are open to suggestion. Of course, most Aries think their way is Best. But your boss may not agree. Suppress any urges to let your colleagues know how brilliant you are. When it comes to your love sector, you are most comfortable in the dominant role. In this construct your mate might feel slightly steam-rolled. Contemplate lowering the intensity on your take-charge nature a notch or two. No need to become passive. Instead, incorporate more collaborative decision making with your lover. That special someone will most certainly reward you for it. Lastly, when it comes to your safety, consider caution your middle name, at least for this month. Always use your seat belt. If only for a quick jaunt to the corner store. Remember, most accidents happen close to home. If you bicycle or rollerblade don't forget the helmet. And most importantly, if you plan to bungee jump for the first time or experience the thrill of skydiving, I would strongly suggest you wait until next month.

In Five Years Time...

2010-02-25T19:28:00.000Z

I would like to be pottering around a cottage, someplace out in the wilds, with sophie chasing things in the garden, and the cats fat and purring by the pot belly stove in the fireplace.

I would like to have a home that is on one level (cottage type), with a guest bed room and shower, a main bedroom and massive bathroom, that has a shower in it that resembles a waterfall as well as a stand alone bath tub. I would like a kitchen that is big enough to put the kitchen table in, as well as a seating area at the bottom. I would like a comfy and cosy living room that is full of my fave things and sofas you just sink into or curl up in. I would like a work room, for all my little crafts, for writing and for T to do her artwork in. I would like a mud room for taking off mucky boots and shoes, I'd love a glass covered and heated conservatory, where I could sit wrapped in a blanket at night and stare up at the stars while sipping cocoa. I would like a garden that has a herb and kitchen garden included in it, as well as a long run with digging room for Sophie. I would like trees in the garden and a view of mountains and water.

This cottage should be close to a village and have some sort of service to the city by bus.

I don't want much do I lol.

In five years time I want to be handfasted to my darling (which I'd better move on), and have taken at least one big holier a year. I want to be working from home and something I've written to have made some moula.

I would like to have a local pub, and good neighbours who know we're gay and don't give a monkey's.

I won't be part of the community, as I'll have done my time and left successfully.

Most of all,

I want to be as happy then, as I am now in my home life.

So...will that do?

G.

Oh I hate days when....

2010-02-25T19:18:00.000Z

...I am feeling knackered and pms (ing) all over the place. Lol, those are the days I need to watch out for.

Spider has gone visiting her folks, and I'm home alone...the mischeif I could have gotten up to lol, but all I did was conk out on the couch for a few hours.

Sophie was up on the window ledge staring in at me, giving me evils.

The cats both decided to ignore me, and when my darling rang, Di, Di tried to kill the phone, what is it with that cat and my phone?

A quiet day by all accounts, was supposed to go to rainbow, but never got, as I was so tired that I headed home, proof of tiredness, made coffee and its stone cold on the kitchen table...*sigh*

anyway,

see ya

G.

Its Cold...

2010-02-22T12:12:00.001Z

...and I'm here updating my blog...lol

Yesterday I lost my brain for a while and panicked because something I posted was going to a whole load of people, and I was concerned that it would be taken up the wrong way...which seems to be happening a lot lately.

I just can't seem to help myself at the moment, its a definate case of open mouth and insert both feet. So the option now is to close mouth and only open it when nesscary lol.

Wedensday 24th sees the first meeting of Limerick Pride and for some mad reason its being held in a bar, at 8pm. I mean come on...but I'll go, I'll give the report on last years pride that I have typed up and printed off, but I can tell you this for nothing, if this is going to continue, both my opening mouth and inserting feet, and having meetings in pubs at late hours of the night I won't be going again.

It's a pity because Limerick Pride have come such a long way since Rainbow first started getting committees together, it would nice to continue with it, but I don't think so in my present mood and form.

On the health front, I've tried calling my doc to make an appiontment, and either I keep missing him, or he's on vacation...I'd say its probally the latter lol. I'll give it another shot tomorrow morning and see how far I get. If he was in his office and the results had shown something serious, he would have contacted me right?

Anyway, there has been a noticiable loss of weight since I had the colonoscopy done, clothing seems to be a lot looser, and the bouts of pain after eating, or the *ahem* are a little further apart, but still there.

I contacted my freind that I'd love to have handfast myself and triona, but haven't heard back from her, I'll leave that till wed and give her a quick bell and see if she got the e - mail. I also need to look up Carn na halla and get moving on my handfasting dress.

Again, its last minute.com...I have it all planned, now I just have to put it into action.

Ever noticed how petty and begrudging some people can be? Sheesh...it really gets my goat.

Sophie is getting bigger every day, and starting to calm down a little. She's beautiful and still very much a handful. But she's so loving you can't be anything other than loving towards her. She doesn't like to be brushed...its a war getting the brush through her coat with her biting the brush lol. She's teething and chews through every thing.

Right so, I've got to go let her out again, then head into town. Got to go pay bills then head to rainbow for a bit. *sigh*

laters gators.

Valentines...

2010-02-15T13:20:00.000Z

Oh what a beautiful day and evening, I lounged around most of the day while T was off working in the hotel. I called up to the supermarket to pick up some cat food and some orange juice for later in the evo. Then when I came home I fished out the heart shaped lights that I'd bought two weeks ago out of tescos, the heart shaped 'be my valentine' mug that came with chocolates and drinking chocolate, and the frame with 'soul mate' written on the bottom, I put batteries in the lights, trimed a photo of us both and put it in the frame and lit the lights, all in a heart shape on the table for my baby when she arrived home.

She loved them, but was a little miffed as she'd said no bought gifts (I sorry, but I'd gotten them before you said). We went to dinner after getting showered and changed, she laid the heart shaped lights out on the dresser, and lit them, and strung some over head lantern lights over the bed. It was rosemantic and added much to the after dinner bedtime mood *wicked grin*

Dinner was lovely, we went to azur on O'connell street, it was lovely, they had candle light, and honeycomb, crunch butlers chocolates on each table, the food was exqusite, the staff didn't mind that we were two women together and if the rest of the people there objected, no one mentioned it, or gave us a second glance. We'd fun and drunk a beautiful bottle of rose between us, she'd chowder for starters, and I'd scallops. For mains, she'd steak and I'd duck (cooked beautifully), and for dessert she'd the lemon tart and I'd the chocolate panna cotta with strawberries...

Two things, too much pepper in the purreed carrots and the strawberries were hard and not 100% ripe...after that, all was suburb. A brillant night all together that left us happy and mucho satisfied...

(I didn't go into detail T. Don't kill me lol)

love to you all.

G.

Morning...

2010-02-11T11:04:00.003Z

Well isn't it a beautiful Spring morning. It's 5 min past 11 in my neck of the woods and I'm still in my jammies playing away on line. My babe T. is in work and sophie and the cats are sleeping someplace.

Today I'm going up for a shower, and then emptying the dishwasher and putting another load on before taking a walk into town to do some nesscary jobs. I've also got to ring the esb as we still haven't recieved a bill from them.

My back is feeling a little sore, but in general this morning I'm feeling much better. I'm still not in the form for doing anything too much so rainbow is out for the day. Next week I'll get back into what I'm supposed to be doing. This week is for me and to recover from tuesdays yucky experience.

At the weekend we went to cork with a group of women. It was a fantastic two days and I'm glad we went, but it means that we are low on dosh. So, I've got to get a months worth of credit, set aside the rent moula and hope I have enough for to go to Cocoon for their launch night on the 13th.

Now before anyone gets their panties in a twist, I'm going as Gina, and only Gina. I do like the bar, I prefer it when darren is on duty as he makes me laugh and the atmosphere is more cheery in the place. It's a nice bar, modern and classy, can't wait to see what they've done to the club as it looked awesome when we got the tour as was.

For anyone not making it to cocoon for the opening for whatever reason, Riddlers down the road on sarsfeild street are also doing a night. Riddlers are doing very well for themselves these days and I'm so happy for them. I must actually go visit one of these nights in the near future.

Also on this weekend is the AMC, the amazing Pearlstar and Terry Tightass are appearing in this competion. So if you have the moula (which we don't) I'd suggest you get your assess down there and support them. It'll be a fablis night and well worth it.

For those of you celebrating Valentines (and I know there are people who don't), there is also the usual choco / flowers / dinner thing to do. My babe is taking me to azuar for dinner and I think she's amazing for doing that.

For those without partners, why not do an anti - valentines night, just go out as usual and refuse to hook up *grins* just have a laugh as ye normally do.

anyway, I'm waffling again, time to go get my butt in gear.

Have a beautiful day

Gina

G'Afternoon...

2010-02-10T11:25:00.004Z

Well, what an intresting and extremely uncomfertable and painful two days i just put down.

*Warning, contains nasty bits that might make ya gak*

It all began on Monday, you I was due in yesterday (tuesday 9th of Feb), for a colonoscopy, and had to drink this vile liquid in order to clear out my system. Four liters of the stuff. How did it taste? well you ever dipped your finger in custard powder and put it in your mouth? well that's the taste. Vile right?

So, not too much problems for the first 3/4 of an hour, and then boy did I know it. It was horrible, running to the bathroom litterally every 10 mins. I was in agony, my stomach and my ass hurt like no ones buisness.

Sleeping properly that night was out of the question (as you may have guessed). Up and down, up and down...not pretty.

T. did her best to comfort me and ensure that I didn't give up on the stuff...trust me, I so badly wanted to.

Well, the next morning, we got showered and headed in to the hospital a good half an hour before we were meant to, as I wanted this thing over with.

As with murphy's law, you never get what you want, so we ended up waiting until they were good and ready. Patients got seperated from those who came with them, except for those who where under 18. T. struck up a freindship with one of the women who was there with their over 18 year old daughter, as well as going to visit her dad in the chemo / radio lab (he's getting that to annilate any chance of the stomach cancer returning, or growing).

They left me waiting in a backless gown with little shorts (they had a back flap lol) for about 15 / 20 min, then brought me down, asked me a load of questions, and told me they were going to go down my throat as well, to be on the safe side, then made me so sleepy, I can't remember most of what happened next (aren't you lucky). I know they couldn't do the down the throat thing, as my gag reflex is totally gone at the moment, also I remember pain and crying, being calmed down, and told that the pain would ease.

I woke in the recovery room where there were nurses and other patients as well as the parents of those under 18. T and the other woman had to remain outside, and wait until the doc cleared me to go. I wasn't happy with that, but content to know it wasn't because she was my partner.

Doc told me that they'd done biopsy's and sent them off for testing. He also ordered some blood tests, which meant that I had to go up to the blood labs and get my blood taken. I'm not a fan of needles, but whatever they had given me for the colonoscopy must have just dulled everything lol.

So, in a week I call my doc and see if the results are in, then I find out if they know what's up with me.

Today I'm alright, still a little out of it, just taking it easy, and letting my body get over the whole thing. My ass is still tender *grins*, but I'm okay. (knock on wood).

Was that a little too much info?

Love, light, hugs and blessings...

Gina

huy yu...

2010-02-03T12:11:00.002Z

Afternoon there people.

Yesterday was Imbolc, and what a nice evening we had, once we were both back from town. I'd called into eats of eden and picked up some lavender (essence), and then over to angel times to get some sage and lavender smudge stick during the day, we routed out some rosemary from our herb supplies, and a white candle in order to do a small ritual.

The smell of lavender and rosemary on the stove in a small pot of water for cleaning the floor in the kitchen was amazing. We welcomed brigd and though we didn't clean the entire house, used the smudge stick to cleanse out the negativity and bad vibes from the house. It was a sweet little ritual and I'm glad T. was willing to participate. It ended with a bath in lavender and the changing of the bedsheets.

I wish I could say that we slept well after that, but T's cold kept her awake and some of my own stress interrupted me from mine. But we'd felt good having completed the ritual. The house feels more postitive and welcoming. We've decided that over the next few days we'll work together to finish cleaning it with the lavender and rosemary, as well as some viniger and mugwort (for the windows and mirrors).

Did you know that mugwort is a hulucinagen? aparently so, when we looked it up on the web, that's what we got back...lol. Also some of the stuff that goes to make up the plant (chemical I think) is used in the make up of absinthe. Funny eh?

Today so far is quiet, T. rang to make sure I was okay and feeling good, and I'm off into town around 1 ish to do some stuff, meet with F. my son and then go get some needles put in my back.

I'm not a fan of needles, hell when I was preggers the nurses had to tag team me just to take my blood, but I'm hoping as I won't see them, that this acupunture stuff will work. My back is still playing up, and its getting more and more difficult to get comfy. Also, I know I'm a larger lady, but seriously, it would be nice to be able to bend over...lol, I can't do it without my back giving me gip, even streaching, when T. doesn't try to tickle me, can be a problem when there's a sudden searage of pain.

This evo is supposed to be women's group, I don't know if its going ahead, the women were to go to cork this weekend, but as they couldn't make up their minds and the group doesn't have enough to pay for the full rooms we'll just have to wait and see.

so hows your lives going lately?

Isn't it funny how sometimes you just wish you could go and hide in a wee hole someplace, or a cave and just take yourself away from civilisation? or a community that you 'belong' to. Just so you can have peace of mind? But you square off your shoulders and face back into it, breathing a sigh and gritting your teeth.

I know lately I've been feeling that way, but I also know that I don't like being dictated to, and I don't like being made feel this way. I also know that it can be upsetting to those who make you feel that way deliberatly to see you still in the fight and still doing the right thing.

I'm a tough little cookie (well in height anyway), and I can take a lot onboard. I also can and do break from time to time. But you see I'm lucky. I bounce, and T. has the superglue, my kids help with the fitting of the peices back into place and those I know closely will watch over me while I heal.

Moral, or motto,

Cultivate those around you who are good and decent, who will watch out for you, and nurture you when you need it. Who when they ask you are you alright, will actually stand and listen to you and do honestly have an interest. Cultivate the love and trust around you, recipricate. Be honest, be true and be most of all you.

Don't let the begruddgers wear you down, and if the edges are frayed, nurture yourself, go to those who bring you joy and make you smile, who wrap you in a blanket of good will and tenderness and let yourself heal.

Be nice to yourself, if no one else is, and even if they are nice to you. Because you know what, if you can't be nice to yourself, what the hell chance does anyone else have of ever being nice to you. Soak in a bath with beautiful fragrences, light the candles and let your mind drift. Eat icecream, indulge in some good chocolate, laugh at a funny movie, but most of all, hug yourself and tell yourself that you are loved, and you are great, and if you have a partner, tell them that you love them and hold them tight.

Don't play games, it's not worth the pain and sorrow that you cause yourself, and those you're playing with.

Accept that you are wonderful just as you are and you don't need to make up stories, don't live a lie, as it WILL catch you up and trip you up.

I think that's enough preaching for now...lol.

see ya

aby / gina

This is just a little nuts...

2010-01-28T07:08:00.002Z

Okay, got most of the night sleeping, but woke up in the early hours and couldn't get back to sleep, hence me sitting here on the computer at this hour of the morning, and adding a post to my blog.

I would just like to say to BH, thank you for helping out Dee, Silk and Sam last night. That was a wonderful thing you did.

My back is aching and I do feel knackered, so I might go try get somemore sleep, but there isn't really much of a point as I've to be in town for 10 this morning.

I did chicken out of the convo that I was supposed to have yesterday, and yes its still on my mind. I had decided to leave it till monday, but maybe I need to get it over with. I was worried that in my wrecked state that I could say things wrong or come across as mean. Which is not my intention.

I think I'm going to go get dressed soon and take sophie for her walk, so that she gets one before I have to leave home.

I'm telling you, its getting nuts. I spend more time in town these days than I do at home. I need to change that. I'm not getting the chance to keep the place clean and tidy and its ending up that Triona is doing a great deal of the work, which isn't fair when she's working anyway.

well folks

see you later.

Gina

hello again...

2010-01-27T09:57:00.002Z

Just back from walking Sophie, its her third day out being taken for walkies and she's improving, but still a little puller.

I'm trying at the moment to teach her how to walk properly on the lead, and how to socialise with other dogs and people, and that NO, barking and trying to jump up on people and dogs is not that acceptable.

I'm also trying to train her to stop, and sit at the edge of a footpath, and wait for the command 'walk' before she tries to walk across the road. She might just get it eventually lol.

I'm knackered now and my hips a little iffy. But the walk does us both the power of good.

Okay, time to go and do what needs doing in town.

love, light and blessings

Gina

I can't believe it...

2010-01-27T07:34:00.002Z

...I'm up at 6 this morning, after spending a very sleepless night, turning and tossing. I'm booking an appointment to talk with someone today, and I'm concerned that I won't be able to say what I need to say.

But what I have to say, I feel needs to be said, and needs to be listened to, taken on board and have the realisation behind it that I only have good intentions at heart. I hate confronting anyone about anything, It by no means, means that I won't do it. I've done it in the past, and I'll probally be doing it in the future, its just that I hate doing it.

I fret that the person will think I'm being a bitch, or that I shouldn't be talking to them like that, but truth is, its my job and its time I owned that job and put my moula where my mouth is. If changes are to happen, then I need to get up offa my ass and ensure that the changes happen and things just don't continue at the same old pace as they always have.

Changes are afoot, well if I can say what I need to say, and be listened to without pissing off people. Am I a coward really at heart? I wouldn't like to think so, but I have a churning feeling inside and know if I don't say what I need to say, I'll keep having sleepless nights and getting wound up.

*sigh*

ah well

Gina

hummmmmmm

2010-01-24T14:31:00.002Z

you know those crazy little horoscope thingy's that come up on facebook, with stuff that is neither here nor there, and most often way off mark because they're not totally accurate?

Well mine this morning got me thinking. It said my future was in my hands, and that I needed to sit down and visulize where I want to be in five years time...

part of the problem is as I've stated in a previous post, half the time I don't know where I'm going to be today, let alone in five years time...the other part is...I dunno.

There are things I suppose that are a given, married to my baby, own our own house, see RSS become bigger and more of a centre within the community...but is there anything else? Somethings clawing at the corner of my brain, and I can't catch it...hum...think...but then do I want to be anywhere other than at home, wrapped in my baby's love, in front of a fire with our dog's (yes I want a highland terrier for Triona), and our cats, with our kids and our freinds calling in and out to us.

I guess a job would be nice.

wake up brain, time for you to think again lol.

anyway...

onward and upward...

gina

To - Do part 2...

2010-01-24T10:55:00.001Z

I knew I'd forgotten sommit...

empty dishwasher
put washing into dryer
pick up soda...

fer feck's sake...

*shakes head*

right so...

Gina

To - Do ...

2010-01-24T10:43:00.002Z

Right what do I have to do?

It gets pretty bad, memory wise when you actually have to sit down and seriously think about what it is that you need to do. In the past month I've already forgotten two meetings that I was supposed to attend, and I'm notorious here at home for forgetting to pick up stuff from town when I'm in there.

Not only that, remembering what it is that I've said I'd do at home, at RSS and to other people. I've shown up a whole day early for a meeting in RR. I do have a date planner, a fuck off big book that I write stuff into, but do you think I'd remember to check it? That would be a no.

Between ourselves at home, we joke that a note needs to be stuck to my forehead so that I'd be able to see what I have to do. I also joked that in Uni I'd no idea how I managed to get what I got, when you realise that most of the stuff seems to gone into a black hole and isn't retrieveable.

*sigh*

Is this a sign of old age?

I hate old age, getting older still freaks me out a bit. I keep thinking that I'm still a young one at times, then there are other times when my age is rammed home...when my back complains all day long and doesn't want to move, or when my hip gives out and I'm limping all over town. I always had a sharp memory, after a night of boozing, I was the only one that could remember what had happened, and had people asking me what had happened because I was reliable. Now you can forget it.

You're lucky if I remember meeting you out at night, that's when we go out.

*sigh*

I think I'll stop moaning now. lol.

so, what do I have to do today?

lets see...

veg for stew
milk for coffee
lunch for me
clear my desk
clear the corner beside my desk
put on another wash or two
get wash tabs
get clothing conditioner
feed sophie her lunch
and most importantly....treat my babe to some TLC

I think that's everything...

bet I've forgotten sommit...

Gina

Morning people...

2010-01-24T10:10:00.002Z

I uploaded the music from Glee to my computer yesterday, and you know what, it's bloody amazing. Can't wait to get the eps from ES.

I had a great day yesterday, got to catch up with two freinds I'd not seen in a while, we met for coffee outside a new little coffee shop that had some nice outside heating. We'd a giggle and a laugh about various things and it felt good. I like good.

Triona has gotten up this morning with a very nasty cold (she finally caught mine). I tried to get her to call work and tell them she was ill, but she wouldn't do it, she insisted that it was too late to do that, and she went on into work.

I'm going to run her a hot bath later, with pleanty of soothing stuff in it to help her feel better. Then I'm going to wrap her up in bed and bring her some hot tea and honey. Goddess knows she deserves it, I came home from town yesterday to find that she'd cleaned the entire kitchen and had started vacuming the living room.

I love my honey, and I feel awful when things happen that upset her. I know catching the cold was something that she couldn't avoid but still, feel bad that she feels so crappy.

well, I need to get my ass into gear and get moving. Time to get dressed and head to the shop for some stuff.

love, hugs, blessings and best wishes.

Gina

Hey Ya...

2010-01-23T12:00:00.002Z

It's been a long week, loads of downs and pleanty of Ups to even things up. I've finally owned up to being a GLEEK, for those not in the know, it means that I am a big fan of Glee, I love the show, characters and the music...Oh I love the music, but then I've always been a sucker for show type tunes and musicals.

In other news, the organisation that I volunteer for are planning something big (well to us lol), but we won't know the outcome for at least another week (sigh). So stay tuned.

Sophie our beautiful Siberian Huskey Puppy, is driving us both nuts lol, she's so full of energy, and due the last of her shots this week, but we'll leave it till monday or tuesday before we bring her in for them. A freind was supposed to do it for us, but I think its better if we get the Vet to do it, and thereby start a catalouge of stuff with him, so he knows her past history. She's lovely, and so loving (once you get over the biting, puppies and their teething troubles). Already she's caught onto SIT, a little of the down command and the stay. She's still easily distracted, but then so are we lol. I plan to start her in puppy classes when I can find some that we can afford.

My beautiful partner Triona is working away very hard and deligently, today Sat 23rd of January, she is cooking for a full house as Munster played the saints last night, and munster won by 3 points (right?). She's had a lot to put up with this week, and I hope I haven't been too selfish and managed to comfort her as well as myself. We both went out for a few pints last night and had a great laugh with ES, DS and SK. We also met some old freinds, and it was good to see Denainta out (they probally don't like that anymore...so apologies), who I knew from Uni, and it was nice to wish another old freind happy birthday for today.

I'm meeting my son F. in town this lunch time, when I go in to pick up cat litter, and then I'll be seeing my son M. when he comes out later on, he mentioned something about getting a periceing...I can't say anything because I tried getting my bellybutton peirced with not so good results. Just like when my daughter J. got her tat, I couldn't talk because I'd gotten one on my 40th birthday of a phoneix (sp).

So I'm back to being me, I've dusted off the armour, and decided that no one has the right to affect me the way I was affected, that I am taking back my power and I'm going to be me, no matter what, I'm going to be me. I wish no malice, and no ill will and you all know that, that is the way I am.

You are all beautiful people and if you've gone from my life, then its just because our time together has served its purpose and it's your time to fly and be who you are. Be free, be who you are and enjoy what life has to give to you. Take it full on, stand tall, and make sure you look after yourselves.

I can say no more than that, and hopefully I won't have to.

So with that said,

Bright blessings to you all in all aspects of your life, Love to you all in all areas of your live and remember, if you can't go over it, go around it, if you can't go around it, go under it, and darling, if you can't go under, by all means...Go through it.

Gina / Aby

Evening Folks...

2010-01-19T19:29:00.002Z

Wow, it's only Tuesday...feels like more lol.

It's already been a very busy weekend. We finally managed to get into cocoon for a drink on sunday night, and enjoyed our night out. Haven't went drinking with Evil Steve in quite a while. There were some new faces in the place and some older ones I'd not seen in a while.

It was by no means packed, but it was nice. Music was at a level that you could chat and have a laugh and the bar tender introduced everyone that came into the bar to everyone else. By the end of the evening it was a test on memory lol.

Monday saw a worrying start to the day. A freind of ours that we were used to seeing on one of the social forums had seeminly vanished. Concerned that something had happened to him, or he'd had his profile deleted we asked around.

You can imagine our relief when we found out that he was alright. So that worrying period was ended.

I got angry and then got over it, somethings aren't worth the stress. RSS decided that they definatly needed to look into moving. Stuff was sorted out at our BOM meeting and we'd a nice evening at home after the meeting.

Today saw us looking at some places and the stirrings of Limerick Pride 2010 starting up. Glad to see that, it was an amazing event last year thanks to the people involved. I enjoyed my evening with my baby at home (woman is good at what she does). I'd a minor upset earlier, but it gets filed in the 'lifes too short' catagory.

Tomorrow is going to be busy as well. The last of the pride files have to be sorted out and made ready for collection on Thursday by the chair.

ummm tummy's rummbling and baby is cooking stuff while sophie barks in the background, appollo is stalking around the place while didi is asleep on the couch...

Tis a good day.

I'm happy out.

Hows you doing????

I'm a big fan of Apartment Therapy....

2010-01-17T10:05:00.002Z

...but some of these apartments that are shown on here are just wacked out. Others are pretty cool, and inspirational.

It just confirms what I always maintained (me, myself and I that is), that everyone is different and one persons taste is definatly not anothers...

I do love the gadgets and gimmicks that they show tho.

Gina

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/

No Shower and a leak in the Kitchen...sigh

2010-01-17T09:37:00.002Z

Well as I posted yesterday the water returned. It was glorious, much flushing and washing going on all day, we were like kids.

The plan had been to get a shower once triona finished work and head into Cocoon and have a drinky or three, but that was not to be. My darling felt tired (as you do after a full day on your feet creating sublime food), so we opted instead to have showers and go to bed (clean fresh sheets, newly or should that be freshly washed).

I decided that I would go first, and pressed the button, delighted that at first there was water, then suddenly...nothing but the electric shower machine making strange noises...that didn't bode well, after a couple of minutes we figured that we weren't going to have water coming out of it, so we'd have baths instead (as the rest of the water was indeed running).

I'm telling you it was amazing, lying in a bath of bubbles and such lovely relaxing smells, candles burning around the bath and on the window ledge. Sublime.

Triona was next, and while I was downstairs I noticed water on the floor, I figured that Sophie had had an accident when we'd had her out for her half an hour or so play time. But no, it wasn't yellow...it was clear.

When Triona came down stairs we found out that the water was coming out of one of the many cracks in the kitchen ceiling and running into a none working electrical light...dangerous you say...we'd agree.

So a letter will be dropped into the property management place and we'll probally see the landlord on tuesday to figure out what is going on.

*sigh*

But at least We have the bath and running water...yeey...lol

Gina

Mood is good...

2010-01-16T15:11:00.002Z

In case anyone was wondering, my mood is actually good. I know my previous entry talked about a dark time in my past my little hiccup, but trust me when I say all is well in my world today. It's actually so good, that I'm thinking of trying to go back into the uni system again.

Don't know what I'll do, thinking maybe go for what everyone has been saying I'd be good at which is councilling. Dunno yet, but I'm going to look into it.

For a while there I'd lost a little of what makes me, me. That is, the caring and the trying to help person that I've always been. People are important to me. I do actually care, though lately I've seemed to be too busy.

There is always time.

Especially when we make it.

Gina

DAY 13 ...Water Back...amongst other stuff...

2010-01-16T10:36:00.002Z

Isn't it fantastic, on a number (13) which is lucky for witches, our water comes back on...its fab. Triona was like a wee child when she got up for work this am and discovered by accident in her half awake moment, that the toilet was flushing...confused, she went to the water tap and then came into me, bounded on the bed and woke me further to tell me the fantastic news...we once again have running water.

Its fantastic, the toilet flushes, the taps work and the dishwasher at present is going through a cycle...The Goddess is indeed good. I love running water. I can see a shower in my future before going out to cocoon tonight to have our first drink there.

Cocoon is the newest LGBTQ bar in limerick, it looks damn classy. Triona had the bright idea last night to go visit when we dropped into town to pick up some much needed comfort food. The place looks just only amazing. I also hear that they had an amazing first night. Although the club isn't open at the moment, the upper two floors are swanky and just amazing. We wish them the best in the future.

We didn't get to go join the other revelers, or even get to our freinds birthday in Riddlers (the other gay bar, open longer). We both hope that he had a fab time.

Over the past two days I've been doing the ASSIST course, this is the 'Applied Sucicide Intervention Skills Training' Course. It's very difficult to get onto this course, you have to book your place the moment you see it advertised or recieve a letter stating that its coming up, or no dice.

The course is pretty intenseive and hard on the mind, body and soul. Some of you out there would wonder if this is actually worth it. Well my darlings, it is. I know the course works because I am living testament to it. Quite a while back, when I'd just finished my MA and there was a major move in the works, no moula, no job and the kids had moved, I found myslelf in a very dark place. I couldn't see a light at the end of the tunnell and I was in agony.

I reached out, and thankfully the person I reached out to had done this course and was able to keep me safe when I couldn't keep myself safe. I signed into 5b and was diagnosed with clinical depression. I refer to that time as a hiccup.

Since then I've been thankful for everyday that I am here and breathing. My kids are as well. So I believe in this course.

The two days took a lot out of me, because I began to remember that time, and how I felt, also I remembererd how the people around me reacted and supported me. I am always grateful to those I chose to devulge to.

May the Goddess bless each and everyone of you.

Anyway, I've been minding myself over the past two nights, I've a bad cold and cough and thought it unwise to be in places where I could possibly get drunk, or be down. So my apologies to all that missed our company last night. I'm sure if you have read to this point you will understand.

I treat this as any other medical illness, with care and minfulness that I need to look after myself, so when things get to much, or life gets too stressful, I pull back a little and just do enough to keep me ticking and here.

This doesn't mean you need to mind yer p's and q's. This isn't your problem, its my illness and I'm dealing with it quite nicely. Don't be afraid to ask, because as long as you are willing to HEAR what I have to say, you are more than welcome.

So last night we sat down in front of the fire, with comfort food (chicken, curry, chips and coleslaw) and relaxed. We went to bed early and slept through till we needed to get up. If the water had have been back last night I'd have soaked in a long warm bath.

So again, to all my support then and now...

A VERY BIG, WARM AND SQUISHY HUG & THANKS FOR BEING THERE FOR ME.

I hope never to HAVE to return the favour in the same way, but I AM always here for ye.

Chat soon.

Love, Light and Many, Many blessings

Bridgina Molloy / Aby

Day 9...

2010-01-12T12:37:00.002Z

The only good thing about today is the fact that I can leave the bucket and the basin from the kitchen out in the back yard and let the overflow fill them to help with the toilets. This is a good thing. What's bad is the fact that we still don't have running water and the landlord didn't call. Methinks he thinks that the water is back. I think I'll have to call over and let him know it isn't later on or tomorrow.

I have a Rainbow BOM meeting today at 6 that I have to show up to, and I'll be going to a freinds later for a shower and to change my clothes. You'd think with the rain out there and all the other people who just got their water back that ours would be running...well you like me would have to think again.

I don't feel well, stomach is acting up and I'm still very chesty. I just want to curl up and let the entire world pass me by today, but that ain't going to happen is it. I'm going to meet Triona at punches around 3. She's making me dinner *grins* so that's a happy bonus.

at the moment, life ain't so cheery, but it could be worse, we could have no heating, no elec, and no food. We should be chuffed that it's only water we're missing.

I should be...but I'm not, I'm a misreble cunt today...so my apologies to anyone that meets me in my present state of mind. I'm not up for bullshit.

anyway

hope yer all having a better day than I am.

love and blessings to ye

Gina

Day 8...

2010-01-11T14:48:00.002Z

It would seem that a thaw is on the way. We've once again, thanks to the landlord filled the cisterns, still no sign of running water tho.

I've used some of the water in the bottles to make coffee and wash up the dishes, that have been festering in the dishwasher. I've mince out defrosting where the heater is located so it should be ready when I'm ready to cook.

I've just missed a red ribbon meeting and feel fecking awful about it.

I'm taking that as a sign that I need to get my head back into the game. Since the start of the new year I've been a little out of it, due to cold, due to no water running and due to just not getting things into focus. It's time that stopped now.

I'd a feeling this morning that there was something that I was supposed to do, but it completely slipped my mind. I'm such a bloody twat.

Now enough Ms. Molloy, its time you got back on the bandwagon and started focusing on what matters to you. Consider this a swift kick up the arse.

yours sincerly

you!! Me!!!

Gina

Day 7....

2010-01-10T10:16:00.003Z

According to the news, we've another week of this weather ahead of us, OH JOY...NOT!!!

We've heard that we're not the only ones in this situation, freinds of ours and family are now without water, and some even without heating, they can't use their systems because their water tanks are empty.

What's the council or the powers that be doing about this???

Nothing!!!

People are freezing in their homes and they don't even have the nesscessities they need in this artic weather to survive. Is it because they own their own homes, or they're renting priviately I don't know. I do know that the landlord told me that the council said they wouldn't be doing anything about the pipes on our road, and if we wanted water we could go to thomand gate and get some.

We don't drive, roads are leathal, so what do we do?

We sit and suffer, we try to move in with freinds slightly better off, who still have water and heating to keep our kids safe and warm. While we worry what will happen to our own homes when the thaw hits.

Already burst pipes are an issue in some areas, with people looking at thousands of euros worth of damage.

Myself and Triona aren't that badly off, at least our landlord is helping us with the water and he did try to do something. We have heat, and we're cosy enough with the fire in the evening.

My heart goes out to the rest out there, I hate to sound like the rest of the people in charge, but if we could help out, we would.

Gina

Day 6...

2010-01-09T10:42:00.002Z

Woke up with a winter wonderland outside the window but at least the heating is going and I'm warm. Triona has taken three water bottles to work to fill them up and I'm waiting to see if the landlords son arrives up to get the bucket and a bottle filled.

Animals are all tuckered out, lying down all snuggly and worn out from a morning of chasing each other around the house.

I have the boxes down from the back room and I'm going to take down the christmas tree. It's about time that we took them down. lol.

Gina

Update....

2010-01-08T17:38:00.002Z

Feeling tons better, at home again after being up at Steve's for a shower and to wash the jeans that I'd tried to hand wash with disastorous results.

Still no running water and not liking that everyone says this weather is set to last another ten days. Grrrrrr Arrrggghhhh

Sophie has had water, food, a pee, a crap and a play around and now has settled back in her crate / cage to give me a bit of a break, poor wee thing thought she was being left all alone for good lol. Wouldn't do that to her.

I've had chicken hut for lunch with curry sauce and coleslaw (my comfort food) and as my body is warming up i'm starting to feel much, much better.

Plan for the next couple of days, unless I utterly have no other choice but to go outside and do sommit, I won't be leaving the house. Besides which, I need to take down all the christmas decy's and give the place a bit of a spring clean. (see told you I was feeling a wee bit more human).

Triona has gone to her moms for a while, so hopefully she'll come home feeling more refreshed, and more human.

Well, as we'll both be nice and clean, I should go change the bed sheets, if DiDi (cat) will get her ass off the computer.

g.

Day Five....

2010-01-08T10:04:00.002Z

Woke up this morning and my darling had the heating switched off, was not happy, entire house is like a bloody icebox, its on now, but it has a lot to do to warm the place back up again...

Still no water, and no sign of the council.

Going to steve's in a while to get a shower and change clothes. This is really fucking up the buzz of living in the coach house and starting a brand new year. Of course it doesn't help that I'm dying with the fecking cold and can't seem to shake it.

Both our moods are a little strained at the moment. We're both sick and she's the only one that's working. It's not fair on her, she misses having the ability to just hop in the shower and wash off the effects of the kitchen. She's heading home to her mam's today to get shower and to do some washing as if we'd known that we'd have no water, we'd have made sure that we'd done all the bloody laundry.

Anyway, must finish my coffee and ciggy and go root out some clothes. *sigh*

Really, really hating this at the moment. My heart goes out to everyone that doesn't have water, or heating in this time. It's a total fuck up.

Gina

Day Four Update...

2010-01-07T13:46:00.002Z

I had to go into town, and when I left there were three men digging up the ground outside the house trying to figure out what way the pipes ran. This was so they could figure out where to put the heaters.

Having arrived back, there are now five men outside, and the consenses is that they need to contact the council as its under the road where the problem lies. So I figure what...another three to five days of this...*sigh* .

Water did run for a couple of seconds through the tap, but that was because they had defreezed part of the council water pipe...

I think I'll be borrowing a shower and washer / dryer tomorrow when in town. I'm going to have to, can't go another day without one...((grosse))

anyway, thanks for all the well wishes, keep those fingers crossed, this is progressing slowly, but at least its progress.

*le sigh*

Gina

Day Four....Still no Water.

2010-01-07T10:35:00.002Z

Well the machine broke down last night after they topped it up with carosene. Landlord said they'd be out today with two machines and hopefully that would work, its 10.36 am and there is no sign. I'm getting a little peeved.

I was supposed to go and get a shower at mikes today, but i'm going to leave that until tomorrow (when I hopefully won't need to), and instead i'm going to go to town and pick up my dole. I can't leave that another day no matter how shit I feel with this feckin cold.

clothing wash is begining to build up, luckly I've kids (Hi Kids), so if water doesn't come back, I'll be calling in favours. We'll be unpacking the dishwasher and washing by hand (lol, gotten too used to the gadget).

It's amazing how much you miss something like water, triona was going to make rice last night, but changed her mind as we didn't have the water to spare. Crazy eh? Flushing toilets has become a nesscessity, only when nesscary (ugh), but we're manageing. Landlord brings a bucket of water a day and fills two large bottles for us, but it means that we have to conserve what we use.

Gina

Further Update...grrrr

2010-01-06T14:07:00.001Z

It was working, we got a trickle of water out of the hot tap in the bathroom, but...and this is annoying...there wasn't enough oil in the damn heater to keep it going...so they've unplugged it and gone to contact the guy that brought it...LE BLOODY BIG SIGH!!!!

Gina

UpDate

2010-01-06T13:41:00.002Z

Well the landlord has a heater outside to try and defrost the pipes, its angled at the ground, and plugged into our house. Keep your fingers crossed that it works and the pipes defrost giving us glorious water.

Triona not happy as that means our ESB will go off the scales, I just want it to work. I'm quite happy to present the landlord with a bill once this is all sorted.

Thanks to all for offers of showers etc., we may still take you up on it.

Gina

A great start to 2010....NOT!!!!

2010-01-06T11:47:00.002Z

Right so, this is now my main blog...for when I remember to blog that is lol.

2010 has brought a few little hiccups, for one thing, myself and my beautiful sexy lady ended up with bad colds (sympathy to her, she's back to work and feeling ugh).

The second hiccup is a little more inconvenient...namely, we've no water...its our third day...no water to wash dishes, to wash clothing, or ourselves...we're having to fill large water bottles with water for drinking and the animals, as well as the cisterns.

We called the estate managers who in turn called the landlord (he lives just beside us), who then got some builder plumber guy to come out and have a look. We explained that I had a shower, Triona filled the kettle and then nada...so we'd switched off the heating (didn't want it going boooooommmmmm), and they wandered around humming and haaaaing...aparently we can use the heating and the wee heating tank is full.

Conclusion, outside pipes under the ground are not deep enough, and have frozen, therefore there is no water running at all in the house. We just have to apparently wait until it thaws out...that could be a bloody long wait. Meanwhile, landlord is supposed to be letting us use his water (everyone else on the street has water), and we're beg, borrowing and buying water bottles to keep us going. Methinks we'll need to do something a little more drastic if this doesn't let up. Triona has suggested going to her moms for to shower (that's in neanagh), I could go to me dads...but don't you all think that this is just a tad insane???

anyway...

ESB want 300 euros to start an account, they were supposed to send out one of those easy pay cards...it didn't arrive aparently stuck in the december post...but the threatening letter they sent did arrive...bless.

I'm not in town today, as I feel like shit (stomach / cold), and would love to be lying on the sofa, only I've got to go get water from the landlord soon so I'm dressed, sniffling and wanting to throttle someone.

Hopefully the weather will heat up a little and we can have a thaw...but I gaurntee you, if it isn't sorted, we wont be staying here. No matter how much we love this place. It's not worth it all.

so, mind yourselves and see you soon.

Gina

New Years Resolutions...HUMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

2009-12-29T15:20:00.003Z

So, what should be my new years resolutions?

give up smoking? - tried that before it doesn't work

Go on a diet? - I love food too much

Get More excercise? - No choice now we have sophie...

let me know eh lol

Our Siberian Huskey - Sophie...

2009-12-29T11:53:00.006Z

She is amazing, bright blue eyes that glow red in the dark. Beautiful grey soft hair and boundless love and energy.

However she pisses like a race horse and poops to beat the band. We've got a crate for her and are crate training her at the moment.

She doesn't spend all her day in there, just a fair ammount at the moment, as my back is at me and I'm not up to chasing an energentic puppy all around the house to ensure she doesn't pee.

The cats are giving her evils, and Appollo does drive by swattings, though he's started doing it with his claws in rather than out. Sophie barks, she's not supposed to, but I think they draw it out of her. She does howl, and does that when she wants let out, or thinks she's been locked up too long *grins*.

Our baby seems to be very wary of strangers, she doesn't go to people she doesn't know that easily. she'll growl, howl and bark at them. But the more people she's around, the better that will become.

We can't take her out to meet anyone until she gets the last of her shots on the 23rd of January, I'll be making that appointment in the new year when I bring our cat Diana to the Vets to get her ear checked out, she's got an infection and her ear has started to smell really bad.

So, what do you think, will the three ever get on???? lol.

gina

Hello to one and all...

2009-12-29T11:45:00.002Z

Christmas was brillant, it was the first one that me and my brood spent with Triona here over christmas. She didn't make it home on stephen's day. The only damper on the season was my youngst throwing a stroop and heading home early on stephen's day because a freind of my eldest was coming out that evening for a little while.

I felt upset and annoyed because although it had been stressful, it had been fun having them all around us. It was a pity to end it early.

Triona spent most of the day in the kitchen, cooking breakkie and dinner, I did lend a hand, but my tummy and back were starting to play up so I wasn't that much use to her, plus we do have different ways of cooking lol.

We didn't get to do the eggnog, or hot chocolate and marshmellows, but we had everything else.

It was fantastic and all the more special because Triona was here.

The last of the family and guests left around 9.30 on stephen's night, and we were wiped out. We sat in front of the fire knowing that we should be going for showers, getting all dressed up and going to leamy to pick up the stuff for to go to confessions. But truthfully, all we wanted to do was to snuggle in front of the fire and just be with each other.

I do apologise to those we were supposed to meet up with, but I hope you understand, that we did need some time and space to ourselves.

We spoiled each other with pressies and Triona said she loved it all. I'm so happy that for us both, while tiring and a little stressful, it was fun, and amazing. With the house done up, turkey and ham, crackers and giggles. I wish we'd taken pics but it didn't occur to us lol.

I hope yer christmases were just as good.

love, light and blessings

Gina

Days gone by...

2009-12-04T09:04:00.002Z

My mom is a year gone, on November 28 we awknowledged her passing with a mass in John Pauls Church. The family was mostly there, we were minus three (two of mine, one of my older sisters kids). In belfast, on the same night, at the same time a mass was offered for mom by her sisters and their families.

The day before was the strangest day, mainly because I knew that I'd be going out to shannon and meeting up with my siblings who I've not seen in an entire year. I've kept in contact with my dad, but not with them.

That day I spent time writing in my livejournal, and going for a very long walk up to the jetland to try dispeal the sadness I felt inside. Anyone that has lost a parent will understand the greif that comes with that. We'd never really gotten on that well and while at first she'd accepted me and triona her mind had changed shortly before her death and we weren't really on speaking terms, though of course when I got my dads call about her being admitted to hospital I was there within moments.

We did get a chance to talk, and I think we managed to make up. She hoped that I was happy, and content and I told her I was and not to worry, just to concentrate on getting better. I had to leave then to let my sisters in, and thought I'd be able to chat to her later.

I never got that chance, mom went for an operation, and went into a coma, she died not too long after that, waiting until all her grandchildren were there.

This time of year is difficult, I find it hard to deal with anyone whose being bitchy or insincere, as it brings home how fragile we all are, and how we could go and never have the chance to sort out what bugs us.

Relationships are complicated enough without letting petty disbutes colour our perspective, and without ending ties with family and freinds for no good reason. I'm just as guilty as all the rest for this. My own siblings are at a distance from me, and it is, petty. I don't want to be drawn back into the weekly visits and the shite that goes with it. I don't want to be bending over backwards to accomadate those who won't bother to do the same for me.

With me, I won't ask of anyone to do something that I wouldn't do. I'm straight up, it may take a wee while for me to get to tell you what the hell problem I have with you, but I do believe in facing my accusers and telling them to have at, if they aren't prepared for that, then don't accuse.

I value my freinds, my family and my volunteering. People around me matter to me, and I do take a lot personally. Sometimes I project this ethic onto others and then am disapointed when they don't follow through, or behave simular.

But that's me.

So my darlings, the rambling is over, I love you all, and send you all massive hugs. Hug those near and dear to you, and don't wait until their death bed either.

Gina

Its offically Christmas Season...

2009-12-04T08:35:00.002Z

With a bah humbug to all lol.

We put up the christmas tree last night, it looks lovely, after a while (a couple of hours) untangling one set of lights, we opted to go with the multicoloured set on the tree. The now newly untangled ones will go elsewhere.

We hung a wreath on the front door (its still there), and tomorrow saturday we'll be heading to the market to get a sprig of mistelltoe. Another wreath wouldn't go amiss, though won't be an expensive one methinks. Might take a trip out to childers road and shop in the heatons out there, and call into tk maxx later on.

I have table cloths and runners ready to go, but I've been thinking that maybe I need some new fancy placemats and towels for christmas. I've also got to get a lighter king sized quilt and some new bedlinen for the wee room.

We'll be having mulled wine, and eggnog, kissing under the mistelltoe and unwrapping of presents christmas day.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH we're also going to have a new arrival, a beautiful little siberian huskey, she's gorgeous, and I can't wait to make her a member of the family. This week my honey is going to ask the breeder if we can pay another visit and I want to take pictures of her, for to put up on the web.

So, bah humbug and a happy season to ye all.

gina

Wow, hi there all...

2009-11-08T14:39:00.002Z

Well my darlings, we moved into a sweet little place called 'The Coach House' and on the 30st of October we had a housewarming / halloween party, were we invited all our wonderful freinds to come out and celebrate with us.

Steve and Conor came out early and helped with the food and decorations, Conor and Triona made a wicked punch and carved pumpkins for the first time (they were amazing), and all of us managed to construct a fake graveyard at the front of the house, I hung the amazing Witches flag that we brought back from Salem (another post), and we put lights, a skull and candles in the little wall water trough, as well as a mist - er that didn't quite work, but added a nesscary eirree glow.

The night was a wonderful success except for one or two things at the end of the night and all seemed to have a great time, we were so happy about it. I dressed as a witch and my darling Triona was dressed as a sexy goth...

We were so happy that everyone showed to help us warm our beautiful house and share our celebrations of Samhain. I hope your nights were as good as our was.

Birthday and Anniverseries

2009-06-11T02:45:00.002+01:00

ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, yesterday was my darling partners birthday, and our one year together as a couple anniversary. We had a fab day, she had to work, but was greeted by one and all with hugs, smiles and well wishes. I spent the morning out shopping for pressies for my darling.

She arrived at Leamy House around 3.30, and was met in the Volunteers office by me and a muffin with a candle in it. My darling appreciated the romantic gesture, and I then presented her with a lovely bouquet of flowers. She unwrapped her present having kissed me a couple of times and thanked me, and loved the shirt, the magnet, and the earrings.

The shirt was a little small, and she will need to get her ears pierced (silly me thought she could ware the dragon headed, hand carved earrings in the piercing at the top of her ear, apparently not). She doesn't mind, I think she's looking to have only one piercing done tho.

Later on, around 6 we went to dinner in Azuars which I had booked for us both, as we'd both said we would like to eat there, and both of us agreed, that we would at least try once a week, or once every two weeks to eat out someplace nice. We will mind our moula, but we will also live too. Life is to be enjoyed (ask me this when we have a mortgage tho lol).

We were stuffed, the dinner was magnificent, the wine awesome. We were the only two people in there at that time of day, and for all the world, with the lovely service, and attention, it felt like we'd just booked the entire place for ourselves. I can recommend the food for anyone that is interested in a good place to eat, they can be expensive, but have two lower priced set menus.

After dinner, we came home, and stuffed and tired as we were, we were only too glad to welcome Kitten and Frank to our abode, they brought a bottle of beautiful red wine, and a mock up of the wedding invitations (more on that anon). Frank and Kitten are going to be creating our special day, with our input as well. We can't wait...and to think, we can say we had a wedding by Franc *grins*.

Our guests then left and we adjourned to the bedroom, suffice to say my lady is well pleased and sleeping like a baby, me on the other hand, I am drifting between waking and sleeping, which is why I'm online here and updating this blog...

Isn't it funny, that a year ago, we debated the issue of becoming a bona fide, exclusive couple, and agreed to it, just to see how it went...that on her birthday last year, she left me at 11 to go down to cork and work...then this year, I wake up with her, send her to work with many, many, many kisses, and we spend a beautiful evening together.

I'm so damn lucky to have her in my life. I thank the goddess and her every, single, day for this. I love that woman of mine.

Ya heard me

I LOVE HER

lol

okay time to try catch another 40 winks.

love, hugs and all good stuff

gina

Wear the White Knot, for Marriage Equality

2009-06-05T17:29:00.002+01:00

Available 6th June @ La boutique, Dolans, and from Leamy House, Hartstonge Street, and during Pride week 13 - 19 September 2009.

Wear one and show your support.

Phew....

2009-05-24T13:33:00.003+01:00

This morning I was chatting with Paddy McHugh, another post pres of OUT in UL over the phone, we were discussing MarriagEquality and their desire now to open things up around Ireland. I've already stated that I don't mind being a liaison in limerick, so its not big deal, I've to talk with Vanessa of rainbow about using the space in RSS, leamy house, hartstonge street as a venue for workshops and meetings around MarriagEquality before I can commit to them.

But I was laughing and joking about starting up a website called 'ask gina to do' dot com...because this is just another one of the many things I've taken on board since retiring from the helpline and the drop in....

To Date I'm Doing....

Pride Committee (2 events, 2 fundraisers)
Alphabet Soup Limerick, LGBT News Letter
Q - Tips, LGBT YOUTH National News Letter
BOM - RSS
BOM - RR
Co - Founder SnB
MarriagEquality Liaison
member of womens group in RSS
owner of two personal blogs,
alphabet soup blogger,
RSS updater (bebo)

I'm just a girl that can't say no...but I'm learning, otherwise there would be several other things added to that list. So, while I would like to help out with other things, and get my teeth into them, I really, and truly, in all honesty...can't lol.

alphabet soup limerick update

2009-05-10T20:09:00.001+01:00

http://alphabetsouplim.webnode.com/
check out the updated e - zine and let them know what you think

Upcoming Events...

2009-05-06T00:00:00.002+01:00

If you see the 'I love Limerick' tins around town, please throw your spare change into them, the money goes towards creating some great events for during our week 13 - 19 of September 2009. At present we don't have any funding for this week and this is the start of our fundraising efforts. We do realize that times are hard all around the place and appreciate all the help you can give us.

With Thanks

Gina

04 may 2009 - Great News Ahead...

2009-05-04T14:39:00.002+01:00

Oh what a wondrous two days we've had. Fun, Laughter, Lazing around, getting down and dirty, and an engagement.

Yesterday My darling and I went for a walk around the french market, for a while now we've been talking about the possibility of getting engaged. My darling had mentioned it a while back, but timing wasn't that great, and I was just after losing my mother, so I asked her to wait 5 months.

Those five months were up at the start of May. So, it was on both our minds, talking about what we'd do, where we'd go and who we'd have there. So, on our way around the market, I spotted a heart shaped red stone with writing on it, I bought it and waited till we were passed the stall, then turned, placed the stone, covered by my hand in my beautiful partners hand and said 'I don't have a ring, but will you?' then turned around and walked away. She looked at the stone and asked me was I serious and I said yes, and she agreed.

The writing on the stone said simply 'Marry Me'. I know I took the ball out of her court, as she was planning to ask me anyway, so I told her if she still wanted to do that, she could, I didn't mind.

We don't have a ring, and I don't expect to have anyway, as we're not big ring wearers a lot of the time. Wedding rings will be enough and they will take the place of the silver bands we're both wearing right now.

yes I know that to some of you, getting engaged after just being officially divorced may seem to be a little soon, but when you look at it, we knew each other for a year before we dated, and will be dating officially one year on the 10th of June (her birthday)and married then on the 11th of June (official in Belfast or here if legal), and hand fasted on the 12th of June, with a reception for all our nearest and dearest then. So its not really that quick, lol, just opportunistic.

Truth is, I do madly and deeply love this woman and have no intention on letting her escape me. I have bid my time, and we're both ready.

Our plans are simple, a few well chosen people will come with us to Belfast, to stand with us as we do the legal thing, then we will come south of the border, and hopefully, on a sacred site, be hand fasted by a close friend of ours in the midst of our loved ones friends and family alike. My sons will bring me, and Triona still is considering her companions, we will have people near and dear to us represent the quarters, my daughter hopefully will be one of them. Then once the hand fasting is over, and a warming celebratory drink has been had, then we will head back to limerick, to a chosen location, for some good music, a BBQ and party the night away. The following day, at some stage, we plan to jet off to Canada for our 2 week honeymoon.

This will be a unique occasion, and not as formal as some would think, as anyone that knows us both, knows that we are not that kind of couple. I can't wait to put a ring on my darlings finger, and for all to witness our love. Our adoptive children are also going to Belfast with us, and hopefully will either be one of the elements, or taking on another role during the hand fasting.

We've posted our engagement on Facebook, and bebo, and now I've officially blogged here. We'd like to thank all for their well wishes, and yes off course, you are more than welcome to join in. We'll post more details as they become clearer to us.

We're both ecstatic.

Love to you all

gina and triona

14 April 2009

2009-04-14T09:56:00.002+01:00

We spent yesterday out at a friends place, helping her do the place up. There were 9 of us, mostly women at the house. It was an amazing day, we were knocking out walls, pointing walls, painting, chopping wood (using power tools), cleaning tongue and groove reclaimed floor boards, cooking, washing windows, and having one hell of an amazing day.

These women got down and dirty, starting the day all clean and fresh, and ending up covered in dust and mud. My lovely lady was in charge of the painting, and almost lost her life when it started raining at one point, but the job she did was amazing. Dee was in charge of cleaning the reclaimed boards, and the perfectionist that she is, was determined that she didn't leave so much as a spot on them. Kitty took care of the chopping of fire wood for the coming winter, Billie, Anne Michelle and Kate were tackling the knocking of walls, pointing and clearing out of the room, Silk was carting rubbish down out of the room, while Adam cleared the sheds to make room for the stuff that needed to be saved.

Me, I helped with the painting, debated with my partner, got soaked, laughed, helped clean the boards and had to rest a few times after hurting my back. I also cleaned the window in the hallway, and moved some stuff out of there.

Today we hope to be heading back out there, we need to have brekkie first, go tax office and hopefully get our lift back out.

It's amazing how much fun you can have when you come together as a group of people to help out a friend. How much fun and laughter there is, and how good food tastes after a hard days work. I think everyone involved in the project should be damn proud of themselves for what they achieved and what we know we will achieve today.

my lovely partner and myself will only have today, as she's back to work tomorrow, and I'm not sure that I'll be able to make it out myself for the rest of the week. The show of support is amazing, especially in this day and age, when few people want to be bothered moving out of their own comfort zones, and giving freely of their time to help others.

I'm proud to be part of this wee group.

well done all of us.

Attention, Support Needed for Club Wild 11th April

2009-04-09T13:34:00.000+01:00

Rainbow Support Services fundraiser Club Wild disco is on Saturday 11th April at Jerry O'Dea's Pub, Mulgrave Street, Limerick, 10pm-1am €5 on the door, free shot to first 40 people to arrive, drinks promotions, Free Easter Egg Hunt, DJ's Flav and Clancy playing a wide range of music with smoke machines, lazers and lights, own entrance into Club Wild, snug room, dance floor, large bar area, covered smoking area and beer garden. All welcome.
More details phone Rainbow on 061 468 611 during office hours or check out our website www.rainbowsupportservices.org

Rainbow Support Services Club Wild 11th April

2009-04-03T00:54:00.001+01:00

Happy, happy day...

2009-03-30T00:23:00.002+01:00

After a bit of a slow start, the day turned into an amazing b*day. Mick and Jin arrived down to visit and drop off cards and gifts ((thank ye)), Francis dropped by to say hi and wish happy b*day.

Triona made me a beautiful dinner, she went all out, setting the table with a read and gold cloth, scented candles and a sprinkling of rose petals and love heart confetti and served me up pork, with apple slice sauce, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables and a pepper sauce. We had chilled rose wine, in our goblets, and for dessert we had chocolate and raspberry mousse muffins and baileys double cream.

Afterward we went into the living room and relaxed on our sofas, while watching 'come dine with me' and I dozed off, to be woken up by Billie our friend, who rang to give out about not knowing it was my birthday, she was having fun, and we laughed and she wished me a happy birthday. Then we got a visit from Kitty and Steve, our adoptees, who helped us polish off two bottles of wine.

It has been a fantastic day, an amazing night and I'm so thankful for all my family and friends, for my lady, and everything that has lead up to this point.

Many, many deep felt thanks to you all.

Gina - happy out

yo...

2009-03-25T23:59:00.003Z

I always hate trying to come up with titles for these posts lol.

Well, I got up around 9.30, and left for Shannon and a visit to my doc around 11. I arrived there around 12, got into the surgery and found 6 people ahead of me, so stood (trying not to lean on my bad side) and waited, two patients later,I got to sit down. When I finally managed to get into see the doc, he left the surgery to lock the door as there were another 6 patients after me.

The diagnosis is that muscles in my back are inflamed, and that I am now able to put my back out at a moment's notice. He prescribed dyaphine (sp) and told me to be careful bending down, and lifting up stuff...grrr.

He also recommended that I lose weight, and isn't too sure if the weight gain is anything to do with me cutting down and out my meds, or what, but has suggested that my coffees and little sugary treats be banned, and that I eat regular meals at regular times.

Now anyone that knows me will know that I'm a devil for remembering to eat, especially if I am in a hurry or engaged in something very intresting, as putting together the news letter (which should be ready tomorrow evening). Also eating dinner late has to stop. *le sigh*

As for exercise, I can't, as I really don't want to fuck up my back any more than it is already, and this he understands, but did recommend that I go take walks and some light non strenuous stuff...so I'm open to ideas.

I was supposed to go visit my dad, but due to back, timing and feeling generally knackered, I didn't get to go, I will do this however as soon as possible, over the next few days.

I'm relieved that I have cut back on RSS volunteering for the moment, and that I have also pulled back from Stitch and Bitch and focusing on the News Letter as everything else was causing me some heartache.

I am going to start using the wee diary I have to keep track of appointments, as I seem to let things slide, as I get caught up with other stuff. Lol, my sieve like mind is legendary...

well, that's me...hows you?

hello all...

2009-03-22T04:40:00.003Z

I've been on meds for a while now, slight dysfunction of the brain system, resulting in a bit of a nervous breakdown and a stay in 5b a while ago. It was a tough time for me and fraught with panic and concern that I would slip back into that darkness that had over taken me.

I know that it is possible, and do all within my power and ability to refrain from going back there. I'm still prone to dark days, they don't come that often, but when they do I get all weepy and emotional, usually triggered by something emotional or whatever going on in my life.

Yesterday I had one such day, I got up feeling agitated, feeling blue I opened the wardrobe to get pj's from it, and was met by a pile of clothing falling out on top of me. My trip to the bathroom was met by two wee piles of sick, from one of the cats...(turned out it was Diana, as she was sick again later) I had Jin staying here, which didn't help as she was conked out on the couch, blanket over her, and who informed me that the heater was broken. It took several hours to get my daughter to leave to go home as she was tired so I didn't get to go out until around one.

For me going out is one of the things I need to do in order to dissipate the mood. But yesterday even that didn't help matters any. I guess I'd left it too long. No matter where I went I couldn't shake it, and besides, I was getting annoyed with the crowds and trying to find what I was looking for.

I came home, and let a friend in, and brought them up for tea, doing my best to show a positive, happy side. My honey came home and we had some fun discussing things, and then our friend left. I got upset over something daft and then couldn't stop crying, and feeling very blue.

I spent the evening on the couch wrapped up in a blanket, with my baby looking after me. Seems like she's doing it a lot lately. *sigh*

good news is, that by the end of the evening, I was feeling better, and woke up this morning much brighter and determined to be more cheerful.

You see, its mothers day.

I'm reducing my meds.

and, I think I may be PMT'ing...lol

so, that was my day...how was yours?

Hurrmpfffffffffffffffht...

2009-03-20T16:04:00.002Z

Right so,

I've newly discovered that I have gone down a cup size and up in back width...so I've gone from a 36C, to a 40B???

Problem:
Very few fecking stores actually stock 40B...(baskets)and if they do its the granny bras...fair enough, I'm almost 44, but I ain't no granny (do not even go there).

What is it about this feckin country and their sizeist views? I mean, everyone stocks the 12's, everyone stocks the 36C/38D type of cutey bras and sets, but feck if they want to acknowledge the fact that women of a certain size might want to look sexy...I mean its almost as if they expect us not to have a sex life, or to leave the house...why would you if you are size 18+ or 40ABCDDDEFG? I mean, put on a shroud and just bury yourself in a dark corner and feel lucky that you have the poly, man made fibered, crap that they are willing to sell you...

Phft...

I am a young, sexy, vital woman who likes low cut tops, sexy and flowing skirts, sweet jeans, classic pants, and undies that make my girlfriends eyes pop out...

grrr....

So I bought the only 40B that Dunnes had for a tenner, and a sexyish, lacy one from Debanams (who surprisingly had little in stock), which don't show any of my lovely (and it is lovely) cleavage, instead, the bloody things cover my babies right up...grrrrrrrrrrr

I wish these stores would get a bloody clue...

maybe the itty bitty titty club should become active in Limerick City.

Gina

Note To Clothing Retailers...

2009-03-18T12:28:00.002Z

Dear clothing retailers...

As I walked around the streets of Limerick on this stunning Spring Morning, looking for some nice new tops, jackets and skirts to wear, that would fit me since I've gone up a size, from 16 - 18, I was appalled to find that the most of you tend to only stock clothing in the 6 - 12/14 neighborhood.

Darlings, we're not all twinks...and judging from the amount of women my size and larger that were also roaming the streets and stores, we're not happy.

Dressing well is something that I like to do (yes I know I live in my jeans, but they are nice jeans), especially when going out. Trying to find some nice, modern, well fitting clothes in your shops is the pitts.

I come away from doing this, or trying to, angry and depressed, and I don't need that. I refuse to dress in dowdy clothing just because you think that anything above a size 12 is fat...I've news for you darlings...its bloody not.

You need to clean your glasses or get a pair...we aren't all size 12 or anorexic. Some of us have curves and would appreciate you recognizing that we do want to look nice/beautiful as well. Stop being so siziest and start thinking of the bigger market, you need my money, would you rather I shop online...

Now there's an idea...

simplybe.ie or the like would be much easier to shop in, and it stocks some very pretty clothes...yes I'll pay through the nose, but you know what...its bloody worth it, beats coming home depressed and ready to spray paint 'sizeiest' on certain shop windows...

morning...

2009-03-18T09:15:00.002Z

Well,

Mothers day is coming...its a little tough. Mom passed in November so this is the first one without her. I was never very good at going visiting while I lived in limerick, the journey was always a little too much, to be greeted with 'hello stranger, finally decided to visit did you?' and to sit through the 20 questions about the kids etc.,

This year, I will be going to visit, and I'll be bringing flowers, I remember the first time I got mom flowers. I couldn't afford them, I was only little, and we weren't that long after moving down to Shannon. But I loved my mom and wanted her to know it.

I snuck out of the house late at night, and went walking up to Drumgeely in Shannon, where I picked an armful of beautiful daffs. I thought she'd be so happy, so surprised and so thankful. That she'd realize that I did indeed love her.

On my way out, I'd not fastened the window (yes I climbed out a window) to the latch properly and it came loose, banging against the frame. This woke my parents who immediately began worrying. They went searching for me, and found me coming home, down the road happily unaware of how concerned and angry they were.

My mother was furious, I could have been killed, maimed, stolen...and I didn't understand. I was hurt by her anger, she couldn't explain it so that I could understand, and was furious for days later. The reminder of that sat in a vase for a week in the center of the kitchen table. The story was brought up every year, and I still didn't really get it. Part of me doesn't still...the anger that is...I understand her worry, her concern...but the anger...that I couldn't get.

years later, it still hurts, I've made my peace with that event, it won't ever go away, and the hurt has numbed a little, but this year, given that she has passed it's a little raw.

So this year, I'll bring her the daffs again, and I'll stand by her grave side and remember that night. Once again I'll apologize and hope that she understands that I only did it out of love.

anyway,

for those of you that still have your mothers...treat them well, tell them you love them in no uncertain terms and hug them. Just even for five min. I did get to tell her that I loved her before she went, but imagine the hurt if I hadn't. I believe in telling those I love that I do love them. I would hope that they all would know that its true.

anyway, enough self pity and rambling.

Gina

faith, begorra and lepreacans...

2009-03-17T15:22:00.002Z

well good afternoon limerick...(and anyone else who reads this), happy st. paddy's. Hope ye all had a blast.

My sweetheart let me sleep late, as I'd been up part of last night with my back playing me up. She woke me with a kiss and brought me coffee in the living room as the parade started to pass the bottom of the street.

My goddess what a lot of noise, it was big and beautiful, loads of bands, floats and kids marching as always. We even spotted a few familiar faces on one float near the end. Madonna Lucia, Sharon Arseburn and Sheila Fitts.

By this stage, I'd been in, showered and dressed. I was lying on the couch dozing when my honey, who was sexily straddling the couch so that she could look out the window at the passing parade.

Madonna was busy pulling poses, and moving to the music, as Sharon walked around looking like the cutie she is in pirate get - up, as sheila flamboyant as ever in cotton candy pink from head to toe waved at the crowd and shook hands with some people.

They looked amazing, must say, green sequined shoes are totally to die for...Madonna where the hell did you get them *grins*

Once the parade was over, I lay back down again on the sofa with the two cats and dozed, while my beautiful sexy lady showered, then a friend MSN'ing me woke me, and I scared the bejeezas out of her as she finished showering and caught me watching...she is such a sexy beautiful woman. I'm so damn lucky to have her, she's looked after me so damn well the past few days.

We're planning to go to cork pride, and dubla pride this year, we think we'll be booking a place to stay through Sheila FittsPatrick's Rainbow Retreats.

anyway,

time to put shoes on and get ready to go for a walk, I've been lazy enough today *grins*

so, the best of the best to ye all out there.

g

2009-03-16T15:24:00.001Z

Well, its no secret that while I may have a few of these things, I don't often keep them up to date.

So in order to keep you abridged of what I've been up to, hold onto your seats, keep all arms inside of the cabin, life jackets are under your chairs and sick bags are right in front of you...

Over the past few months, my joy and energy in being involved in the drop - in and as part of the help line has waned. I was looking for any excuse not to show up. So last week, Monday to be exact, just before the RSS strategic 3 year plan meeting, I handed in my resignation of these two positions, noting on the letter that I would still be on the board of management, and that this was a break in order to regain the fire and joy of working in these positions. I recommended Marianne for to take over in the drop - in as she has been a very dedicated volunteer (showing up every week without fail, and sometimes manning the place on her own tsk, tsk). I believe that Marianne is more than capable of holding down this position and will do a wonderful if not fantastic job with the support of the other volunteers, co - ordinator and board of management of RSS.

I have also in the past few months, created and put out the first two editions of Alphabet Soup, a new LGBT News Letter which has also turned into an E - Zine and soon to be a forum. This has taken up a lot of time and energy as well as dosh (ink and paper are a real bitch), but it is not something that I have any intentions on letting go. At the moment I'm busy finding contributors to Alphabet Soup as my vision is that it be community based, and for the community. We have a lot of stuff in our little News Letter / E - Zine and plan to have more. I hope also within the next few months to get some advertising going that will help with the costs of putting Alphabet Soup Limerick out, and I'm also trying to find places to send it to, as I believe that it should be all around the country.

My back is fucked, I put it out just before Christmas and the blasted thing wont go away. yes I know I was helping to move furniture in Rainbow, and in my own apartment, plus lugging my daughters suitcases up two flights of stairs when she moved in...but seriously...this is nuts. I can't bend over, and I feel like a fecking old age pensioner, especially when my dear sweet partner has to help me out of my bed in the morning...grrr. The darned thing is stopping me from going out, which is annoying as I'd really have liked to have gone to club wild on the 14th, in support of RSS and taken some photos for the News Letter. I guess it will have to be the next one.
I'm going to try and get out to my doctor in the next week and get some medication so that I can at least move a little easier. Also we have a friend who works with sports injuries, that had been here before (yea I did the exercises, but thought I was better, okay), to re show me some exercises that will help improve my back.

The Kittens have grown bigger, and bolder, they also have a new cat house, climbing yoke that we got from Argos to keep them occupied, but they still seem to love climbing all over us and going nuts when all the room doors are open. They are beautiful cats, and we are so lucky and glad to have them.

I'm getting divorced in the next couple of months (yey for me), which means that I'm a free woman at bloody last. I'd kept the marriage going because of the kids, it was traumatic enough for them to know that their parents had split, they didn't need the trauma of divorce either. So, when its done, fancy a party???

My brood is doing fine, Mike thinks he may have a mental disorder as his words, writing and speaking are jumbled...I think he just needs some regular sleep and to stop freaking out, he's looking for the right partner. Fran wants to go to AUS and is looking for financial help while on the dole...not going to happen chicken, he thinks he's found a possible right one...ummmm. Jin has a room of her own elsewhere and seems to be doing okay, I have no idea if she is looking...I hope tho she is having fun. I'm very proud of all my kids, and love them to pieces. Kitty our 'adopted' lesbian is doing well, still looking for that one and only, and planning events for pride. Steve our 'adopted' bear cub has moved into the same apartment as Kitty, and seems to have settled in well. He also is looking for the right someone, and that all brings me back to when I was their ages and thinking that I was always going to be alone, and wanting to tell them to be patient, they will come along, just enjoy what you have for now, don't look too hard, and they will come along.

We've decided to stay in our wee apartment, and are just trying to figure out how to fit some more stuff in (I swear its like a fecking TARDIS). I've decided that the shelving unit in the kitchen can go, and hopefully be replaced by a light (as in weight) Old Country Dresser, and we want to get an under counter freezer, plus a cupboard for under the breakfast bar (dining room side) in order to gain more storage, we want a rug for the living room, one of those cute metal electric fires with the doors...(?), beautiful curtains (ethnic), sweet ethnic cushion covers, shelves, and to do up the roof space just outside our bedroom window.
We've asked the landlord (in prep for all of this), to come and fix the toilet, the banjaxed cooker, the heaters in living and bedroom and the intercom/phone.

Also in the plans there is a better desk area for me, that will give me a little more space to work in and storage for files and stuff, we're also going to clear out the cupboard in the living room and store some stuff in the open space above it. All jobs that need doing.

Have I left out anything...

Oh yes...I've volunteered for Pride (tho in what aspect I've no idea as of yet), and the next issue of Alphabet Soup Limerick will be out at the weekend.

love yas!!!

Alphabet Soup Has Moved...

2009-03-01T20:50:00.002Z

http://alphabet-soup-limerick.blogspot.com/

Alphabet Soup Limerick now has its own gmail account at alphabet.soup.lim@gmail.com and thusly, also now has its own blogspot account.

I do hope you'll enjoy keeping up.

hummmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

2009-02-23T18:54:00.002Z

Well we're back...and it wasn't good. The space is ill used, and way smaller than it looks in the pictures, the hob and oven would need replacing, and there is an outside door in the main bedroom. The bathroom is way smaller than the one we already have, and there is no real space for my book shelves.

Highly disappointed, and have learned that you really can't trust pictures posted to show size of a room...le sigh

After that we went for a look at a three bed place in steamboat quay, all I have to say about that one is no way, no how. It was small, dingy, smelly and in need of some repair.

Question:
What is it with landlords and not replacing stuff like fridges with green mold, rust covered hobs and filthy ovens??? Surely to the goddess if you want someone to rent a place you will do what it takes, especially if those who rented it previously had been there a while...sigh

Gina - still hunting

Going to see apartment

2009-02-23T14:44:00.003Z

At 3.30 today the 23 of Feb 2009 myself and my partner will be going to see what looks from the only two photos on the net, to be an amazing apartment. This place from what we can see in the photos kicks ass and is exactly what we want.

It has bare Grey stone walls, wooden floors and ceiling in the living space, split level, and a really awesome kitchen. What we don't know about is the bedrooms and bathroom which is on the downstairs.

I can't wait to see it, and get it. This place is going to be so damn awesome for us both to live in and the cats will have a field day. I'm bouncing and excited about this. I can really see us living in this space, having dinner parties with our friends and just kicking back and relaxing.

I'll let you know all the details when I get back.

Gina

New Venture...

2009-02-20T21:02:00.003Z

Hi everyone, or at least anyone that bothers to read this blog *grins*, I've been busy this past few weeks having started a new venture called alphabet soup, its an LGBT News Letter that has managed to make its way into being an E - Zine (located at http://alphabet-soup-lim.webs.com/) and located in Limerick City Ireland.

It's a rather big venture as I'm trying to link it up with Rainbow Support Services, as part of a membership package. I created and printed off several versions of the prototype and handed them out to those in the community that I thought would be interested in writing for the News Letter / E-Zine.

The Idea was born from a discussion about raising funds for the organization, which is charity based, with my partner Triona. We had been searching the web and looking at other LGBT organizations on the web. The thing that struck us was that membership was offered to the community, which helped with the running costs.

So with her blessing, I began work. The finished product is amazing and what's more amazing is that fact that everyone that has seen it has loved it. I have another writer on board and have included a poets section in the March Issue. I am hoping that we'll have a horoscope section, a 'for fun' agony aunt and travel section.

The only thing is that as always I'm more focused on what I'm doing, i.e the newsletter and less focused on everything else that is going on around me. I am neglecting the house hold stuff, and I think its beginning to piss my partner off a little. So I'm going to work out a daily schedule, and try and stick to it.

She works hard, having recently gotten a job as breakfast/carvery chef in Punches. She leaves in the early hours of the morning and arrives back knackered around 2.30, I don't blame her for getting annoyed when she arrives home to the same dishes sitting on the sink top and no laundry done. I'd be pretty pissed off as well.

So, I need to learn to mix working with house working.

G.

What a beautiful day / night we had...(cross posted from bebo, to blogger, livejournal, facebook and myspace)

2009-02-15T10:31:00.001Z

Valentines was absolutely amazing, from the start to the finish of the day, my beloved Triona spoiled me rotten. She made all the coffee and brunch for the day, made sure that I was lacking or wanting nothing.

We sat around the apartment yesterday and played romantic music and songs that we both loved, and added them to our bebo video lists, and hugged, kissed and teased each other. Then in the afternoon I got dressed, and went to rainbow, where I spent a relaxing few hours in the company of great friends, talking about everything and anything, before heading home just before 5.

Once home, I had coffee and relaxed even more, before hitting the shower and changing for dinner at Piccola Italia. We arrived there 10 minutes early and after a short wait were shown to our table. Our meal was booked in at the pizzeria, and although at first one would think it was cramped and wouldn't be as nice as the main restaurant, we were proven oh sooooo wrong.

The table was set up for two, with candles burning in Chianti bottles, the music was soft, romantic and unobtrusive, while the staff were attentive, and considerate. They got straight away that we were a gay couple and it didn't phase them one bit. We had a bottle of Rose wine, and a three course meal, let me recommend the stuffed mushrooms, the pollo pasta and the home made strawberry Ice cream, delicious.

We weren't rushed, we were left to eat at our own pace, so that we could enjoy the food, and chat during it. We were able to kiss each other, hold hands and stare lovingly into each others eyes, without as much as a bat of the eye. One of the waitress' asked about La Boutique and even knew that the new Gay Bar was launching that night.

With our bill came heart shaped chocolates, and a rose, which was discreetly laid between us both so who ever wanted it, could pick it up and take it away with them. They wished us well and told us they hoped that they would see us there again, and hoped that we enjoyed the rest of the night.

We had planned on going to Riddlers for the Launch, but we were stuffed and merry from the food and wine, so we opted to give it a miss, as a pile of drink on top of everything, may have made us both sick, so we opted to remain at home. My beautiful woman went out and got a bottle of coke for some rum we had in the house, and when she was out I slipped into something a little less restricting, and a lot more romantic.

We adjourned to the bedroom after that, which had been decorated with satin sheets (red), rose petals, heart shaped confetti, candle light, the little rose I'd gotten her from birthdays, and the heart on a stick that I'd also gotten her but from the florist at Aurthur's Quay. We had a marvelous night, and woke up around 9 this morning, feeling relaxed, happy and enamored of the day that had just passed.

I have never been treated this way, so for me, valentines this year was totally amazing. Right from the moment of buying the box, and filling it full of little tokens for my lover, till waking up this morning with rose petals and heart confetti stuck to my body...*grins*.

I know for many of us out there, that Valentines can be stressful, and for the singles down right annoying. But for me, this year was totally mind blowing.

Thank you my love from the bottom of my heart.

Gina

The 40 Plus Teenager!!!

Well now that sucks...

Now I have two areas I'd like to pursue...

Plans on the horizon...

It's still Halloween here...

New Witches Year, New Start...kind of lol.

Our 1st Anniversary

stuff and stuff...

Afternoon All...

Moaning Mini...

Morning folks

Hi YA...Midsummers Day 21st June 2011

19th June 2011, What a week....

11th June 2011, new years update...

Beltane Eve...

A new year, a new start?

howdy folks...

What a beautiful day.

Morning folks

long overdue update...

Carpets...I hate 'em...

This Past Week.

Good Morning...Today consists of...

Wow, is it that time already????

Weekly Update

The Besom, What is it and why we need one at our Handfasting...

Hanfasting Ribbon What is it?

What is a Handfasting and why are we doing one????

Handfasting Updates 28th May 2010

hello out there....

Sunday 16th of May 2010

Good Morning...

What a couple of weeks....

hi di hi...hows the day of the Irish finding ya?

hi yup...

An early start to the day....

Morning...

why is it...

Afternoon...

Good Morning...

hi...

my new aires horoscope for 2010, march will not be my month

In Five Years Time...

Oh I hate days when....

Its Cold...

Valentines...

Morning...

G'Afternoon...

huy yu...

This is just a little nuts...

hello again...

I can't believe it...

hummmmmmm

To - Do part 2...

To - Do ...

Morning people...

Hey Ya...

Evening Folks...

I'm a big fan of Apartment Therapy....

No Shower and a leak in the Kitchen...*sigh*

Mood is good...

DAY 13 ...Water Back...amongst other stuff...

Day 9...

Day 8...

Day 7....

Day 6...

Update....

Day Five....

Day Four Update...

Day Four....Still no Water.

Further Update...grrrr

UpDate

A great start to 2010....NOT!!!!

New Years Resolutions...HUMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

Our Siberian Huskey - Sophie...

Hello to one and all...

Days gone by...

Its offically Christmas Season...

Wow, hi there all...

Birthday and Anniverseries

No Shower and a leak in the Kitchen...sigh