The American Way, Irish-style

Back at work we're doing employee peer assessments in the belief that the view of your co-workers will improve your general professional demeanor in the fulfillment of your fuller career path within the wider company.

While this might work in a utopian workplace, I thought about how this might work in real life - and I found a more apt symbolism... grocery store aisles. Well more specifically, a take on another culture's goods as represented by a large discount chain.

This week in Ireland, Lidl (think Aldi) has "USA Week!" - a special section for Americanized goods suited for a cross-Atlantic audience. And while I liked to browse "McEnnedy" products (see they even "re-Gaelic-ize" an already popular Irish name - Kennedy) - their catalogue consisted of dried cranberries (Craisins!), authentic marshmallows, and chilli mixes... this however, popped out of the aisle...

You like? Not only Hot Dogs - but canned hot dogs!

Not to say I am an expert in American culture, but if this were a workplace, I'd be bringing this up in a peer-assessment form. In a quiet Irish country town untouched by obvious global industry (a lone Subway flies that flag, imagine - no Starbucks OR MickeyD's - the closest one is an hour away. I will however be corrected since Magee's up the road provides Donegal tweed to Burberry) - the idea that Americans buy hot dogs in a can (vaccuum sealed no?) must be normal.

That being said, American industry has for decades misrepresented other cultures in their grocery aisles (and those countries that import them, case in point - the Philippines where SPAM is part of the local fare)... and yet another (my sister's favourite, she eats it with rice)...


I wonder what the Austrians think of that?

Who Knew?

The Irish country side rendered me speechless - this country really is beautiful. And contrary to the greenery we are fed in postcards and ads (see left) - I got to see the Irish coastlines and beaches, more of it than you can imagine. And damn are these beaches pretty, all they need is the sunshine (it's ok I'm talking about the weather, EVERYONE here does). Pristine sands, rolling clouds and sheep - everywhere.





Here's what I got to witness when we went down to Maghera Strand. Apparently vikings came through here in 702 (!) my god the history in these rocks and sands. The dunes went for 16 kms, there were caves to explore but high tide and the lack of will saw us stuck in the sand...

And as if we hadn't had enough of jumping (there were more - check them here) - I thought I'd try my hands on the ground, upside down... this, to more than anyone, was a shock to me. Who knew I could hand stand?

The Mac Dad will make you: Jump, Jump!

And in the case of hanging out at the majestic Rossnowlaugh after a morning of hefty Irish rain where blue skies reigned - my sister, rather than just being my sister holding a camera taking crappy tourist-y posing shots - took the situation at hand and turned in to Mac Dad.

Or Daddy Mac. Regardless, she got me... well, you get the idea, but being the older sibling - she naturally led by example...


And just because with family you're wont do to silly things, I got in to the spirit of it.


More photos are here.

As much as allusion becomes homage, let me extend my love for a 90s classic some more - and that won't be wearing my clothes on backwards - I tried it once when I was a fat 12-year old, it was uncomfortable - here's that tune that inspired my shoulda neva have sartorial faux pas, or in this case my "ebordraw".

Enjoy - Kris Kross "Jump" (D*L*I*D Remix)

No Romance Without Finance

Isn't that a nice philosophy? No money, no honey.

Wait, it's not High Class Hooking 101.

‘Cause nothin’ from nothin’ leaves nothin’/You got to have somethin’ if you wanna be with me

As much as I want to say my momma was clever enough to have taught me that lesson early on in life - it's really just a catchy lyric from Gwen Guthrie's 1986 funk classic (more on that later). To me, it's really a simple adage in standing your ground and taking no compromises for your aspirations.

Whoa, life is too serious, love’s too mysterious/A fly girl like me needs security

Deep and meaningful right? Let me get all Oprah on your ass - you see, at some point, we realize that what we have to offer in this world, our "honey", our "romance" - is a gift. And that doesn't deserve any trade-offs. We deserve exactly what we put out. Now let me get off my soapbox.

‘Cause ain’t nothin’ goin’ on but the rent/You got to have a J-O-B if you wanna be with me

It's not all that serious really - while this blog is part of my self-exploration in the romance I've got to offer the world - it's really a huge personal ad of my mental/emotional and sometimes physical shortcomings for cyber-suitors. Hey at least I'm honest (and sorta half-serious).

So laugh with me, laugh at me, well whatever.

Now just sing along with me.



And lyrics - check out: Gwen Guthrie's "Ain't Nothin' Goin' On But the Rent".