My last late-night / early-morning DBT group session went well, but it took me awhile to get back to sleep. As a result, I let myself sleep in late this morning. The weather is clear out again, and almost on cue, I receive a text from my walking buddy CJ to ask if I’m available. We agree to meet up for a walk around 1:30. Today is back to the southeast but past the Docklands to the...
The anticipation for the easing of COVID restrictions in two weeks is growing. Christmas decorations are going up around town, and there’s talk about pubs reopening. Meanwhile, the number of daily new COVID cases in Ireland has bumped up somewhat, but it’s still stayed under 500. There has been some discussion about cracking down on pubs offering “pints to go” that have encouraged people to...
Docklands walk + water heater woes
I start off today with my usual routine, then set about completing a few “life maintenance” tasks such as folding laundry, vacuuming the apartment, and trimming my beard. It’s warmer and dry out, with highs around 16 C / 60 F, so I’m determined to get out to enjoy the favourable weather. My walking buddy CJ beats me to the punch and texts me first. We agree...
Donuts and evening walk
It’s been a rather ho-hum birthday. The weather is grey and drizzly. I sleep in late, goof around on my phone for awhile reading news articles, and respond to texts and emails from family and friends. For a late lunch I make a sandwich of some leftover BBQ pulled pork accompanied by mac & cheese. It’s getting dark around 5:00pm now, and I decide to get out for a quick walk...
Pre-birthday BBQ and chill Sunday
The rain has continued off and on today. I have been wanting to get some BBQ take-out from a place called Pitt Bros that is a a couple of blocks away. Unfortunately, they’re closed on Mondays so instead of having that for my birthday, I decided to order it today. I invited my friend J to come over, hang out for the afternoon, and join in on the BBQ. Apparently, the seventh season of...
Sore and slow moving on Saturday
The rainy weather this morning gives me an excuse to linger in bed for longer than usual. My lower back and hips are sore from yesterday’s long walk, so I slowly get up and begin to putter around the apartment. After a late breakfast, my stomach feels upset and I end up laying down on the couch for a nap. There are blue skies when my eyes open, and thankfully I’m feeling...
Long Walk to Stoneybatter and Phoenix Park
It’s Friday the 13th! Can’t say it’s been an unlucky day (knock on wood), and it starts with my usual morning routine. My weekly SuperValu grocery delivery arrives around 11am with the same older gentleman named Ciaran who I’ve come to know from a few past deliveries. The weather is clearer out but colder, in the upper 40s lower 50s F. My walking buddy CJ texts to ask if...
Getting out: Dublin Castle, coffee with M, steak for dinner
My DBT session went well. The material we’re covering pertains to interpersonal effectiveness. Specifically there’s a set of acronyms for some skills to use when asking someone else for your wants/needs: “DEAR MAN,” “GIVE”, and “FAST.” Here’s a link to a PDF that spells them out, in case anyone is interested (following the link will download...
Low energy day, high energy bill + green energy for the Emerald Isle
It’s been a grey, rainy, low-energy day. I sleep in a little later than I probably should, but I don’t have anything planned for the day so I take my time getting up, having breakfast, etc. I also have my next-to-last late night / early morning DBT session later on, so I’ll be trying to get some sleep during the evening again. Speaking of energy, I received my first electricity...
Rathmines and Ranelagh
A few topics for today… Irish political drama There’s a debate taking place today in the Irish parliament (the Dáil) about a motion of no confidence in Leo Varadkar, who occupies the office of the Tánaiste (“tawn-ish-tuh”, the #2 position in the government hierarchy). Leo, who is openly gay, previously held the office of Taoiseach (“tee...