AuthorHugh

Another typical Friday for me — I follow my usual morning routine of breakfast and news, then my weekly SuperValu grocery order arrives, delivered by someone new this time.  Some sunlight is peeking through the clouds, but it’s still blustery and cold out. My friend CJ texts, suggesting to meet up for a walk in the afternoon. I meet him on his side of the Liffey around...

It’s quite chilly out with blustery winds, but no snow today. I bundle up and get out for a walk in the afternoon despite the weather. I Pig and Heifer deli and order a “Mile High Club” sandwich. While it’s being prepare, the owner (?) strikes up a conversation. Apparently they are Portuguese, and he picks up on my non-native accent. We chat about American politics. It’s a friendly...

I didn’t sleep very well last night and have felt off all day. My CPAP’s humidifier has been out of water, so I filled that up today with more de-ionized water (after boiling it to kill any bacteria)… hopefully that helps. I complete a couple of CMA lessons in the morning / early afternoon. It’s nicer out today with some sun and only the occasional flurry of snow. However...

It’s been snowing/sleeting throughout the day. The next lesson in my CMA study program is shorter than yesterday’s, and I finish the material by early afternoon. My walking buddy CJ isn’t available today, but I’m determined to get out of the apartment anyway. I download a few podcasts to listen to while I walk, don my headphones and bundle up in my heavier coat and knit hat. Along the way, I...

Europe has been getting more snow, and Dublin is no exception… there have been flurries on and off throughout the day, although it’s not sticking. According to this forecast map for this week, Ireland is supposed to get hit the hardest with snow (in green) on Thursday and then rain (blue) this upcoming weekend: Today is my first day of the “CMA Academy” study program...

The weather continues to be cold and grey in Dublin. After a couple of disappointing results trying to make apple fritters in the air fryer, I decide today to go all out and do them right by following a classic recipe that uses yeast-risen dough and deep frying in oil. It takes 4 hours (!) from start to finish, due in large part to the 2 risings for the dough. However, the pauses work well...

It’s a grey, cold day In Dublin. I’ve been a homebody, taking my time with the usual routine of breakfast and reading/watching news, puttering around the house, doing laundry, etc. After signing up for the CMA prep course yesterday, I’ve received a few into emails to get me started with the programme, but I’m allowing myself a lazy weekend before starting in earnest next week. I’m feeling a bit...

Yesterday I had my weekly dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) group Zoom session from 9:00-10:30pm, and afterwards I binge- watched a few more Breaking Bad episodes while chatting with friends over text messages. I’m a little groggy this morning from having stayed up late. My weekly SuperValu grocery order is scheduled for delivery between 10:30am-12:30pm, and while I’m waiting...

It’s been a productive day. I get up earlier this morning, have breakfast and check the news, then open my career to-do list spreadsheet. There’s a Finance Manager position at Ireland’s National Treasury Management Agency with a submission deadline of tomorrow, so I set about customising a CV and cover letter for it. It takes about 1.0-1.5 hours for me to analyse the job...

It’s clearer out this morning, and my walking buddy CJ texts to suggest an outing. We meet up at our usual time at 1:30pm and head north east to some parts of Dublin I haven’t seen before, namely the North Strand and Clontarf. As we approach the North Strand neighborhood, we pass by Five Lamps, which is a well-known landmark to all Dubliners. The Five Lamps was constructed in the late...