My second week at UCD is behind me. The onboarding process is still slow going, but I’m beginning to get into some of the actual work. I’m usually worn out after a day in front of the computer and just feel like taking a nap. This makes it challenging to get out for a walk. While the days are getting noticeably shorter, for now it’s staying light out in the evenings until 8:30-9:00. On Thursday, I did a quick loop over the Liffey, down the riverfront, across the O’Connell Bridge, and back around to Temple Bar.
Earlier this week I received my results from the second CMA exam I took in mid-July. I wasn’t expecting to hear anything until mid-September, but apparently exams that were taken during the 2 week extended testing period in July were graded along with the June ones. I scored 380 out of 500, which is disappointing in that I scored 20 more points than the minimum required score of 360 to pass (which was my score for the first exam). Guess I should have studied a little less… I jest, of course. I am now officially a Certified Management Accountant!!! Although obviously I didn’t need the qualification to get the UCD job, it still feels good to have something to show for the first half of 2021. And it certainly won’t hurt when pursuing future job opportunities.
Today (Saturday), I met up with my friend CJ to catch up over a bite at his favourite cafe, the Joy of Cha, which is in Temple Bar not far away from me. There has been a noticeable increase of more tourists in Dublin over the past few weeks… while we were sitting in front of the cafe, a tour group was assembling in front of a guide holding a yellow umbrella on the street behind us. I can’t help but to eavesdrop when passing by families of obvious non-locals to listen for an American accents. After months of being an exceptional American in Dublin during lockdown, it feels like they’re encroaching on my territory. Go away, ye Yanks! However, I’m sure the local businesses are happy to see them back.
In COVID news, Ireland continues to be among the top EU countries in terms of vaccine uptake rates, with 70% of the population having at least one dose and 62% fully vaccinated.
Until next time….
