It’s been another long week at work. I’ve started to count down the days at UCD. My boss asked me to work from the office on campus for the remainder of my time there, even though 2-3 days a week is the standard for the post-COVID hybrid working arrangement. Whatever. I would be more productive working some days at home instead of wasting time commuting, so it’s their loss and also an indication of a mindset and culture that is why I was looking to leave in the first place. The commute is about 45 minutes each way, including 15 minutes walking to the bus stop and waiting, then about 30 minutes on the bus itself. The evening trip back to the city centre is a bit longer. Today I decided to get off early and walk the last 10 minutes home. The sunset was spectacular at around 6:15pm. The days are noticeably getting longer. The weather has been dry and bright most of the week, but chilly, with highs in the 30s-40 F / single digits C.
Ukraine continues to dominate the news in Ireland, as it has in the rest of Europe and the world for that matter. A close second in the headlines is inflation — especially when it comes to electricity bills. The €200 credit approved by the Irish government has already posted to my utility account, so at least I won’t have another surprise bill like I did for November-December.
I’ve been planning a trip back to San Francisco in a couple of weeks to see some people and deal with stuff I left in storage there. I’m both excited and anxious at the same time. It’s been a year and a half since I left SF, the longest I’ve ever been outside of the U.S. I’ve already made a list of items to stock up on while I’m there to bring back with me to Ireland — lots of little things, really.
Yesterday would have been the 34th birthday of my friend Adam who passed away in August. That has definitely stirred up some emotions. I sent a text message to his best friend and sister along with a photo from Adam’s 30th birthday, which we celebrated together in SF before he moved to Portland, Oregon. I don’t believe that time heals all wounds, at least not by itself, it’s what we do with our given time that helps. I hope the journey back to SF helps me move through the past and onward to the future that waits ahead.
Until next time….
