Sartre: Poetry and Prose

In my previous post I had a half thought regarding Poetry and Prose according to Sartre's What is Literature? I brought the book with me to the library today. So I thought I would quote you the section in which he distinguishes the use of language between the two. I am fairly tired and a lot has happened today so I will write more later. Anyway, here is the quote,

"For the poet, language is a structure of the external world. The speaker is in a situation in language; he is invested with words. They are prolongations of his meanings, his pincers, his attenae, his spectacles. He manuveurs them rom within; he feels them as if they were his body...The poet is outside language. Not knowing how to use [words] as a sign of an aspect of the world, he sees in the word the image of one of these aspects.

The art of prose is employed in discourse; its substance is by nature significative; that is, the words are first of all not objects but destinations for objects; it is not first of all a matter of knowing whether they please or displease in themselves, but whther they correctly indicate a certain thing or a certain notion."

And another quote on morality and literature (which we can substitute for art and beauty) that ties in with the previous quote and is good fodder for thought...

"The writer's universe will only reveal itself in all its depth to the examination, the admiration, and the indignation of the reader; and the generous love is a promise to maintain, and the generous indignation is a promise to change, and the admiration a promise to imitate; although literature is one thing and morality a quite different one; at the heart of the aesthetic imperative we discern the moral imperative." (my emphasis)

Decadence, Beauty, Youth

I started The Picture of Dorian Gray last night by Oscar Wilde (Irishman). I have been struggling through What is Literature? By Jean Paul Sartre because with a trace of fatigue in my mind I can no longer follow French Existentialism. It is ever so convoluted. And Georg Lakoff’s Metaphors We Live By has been alright although seems quite elementary and has troubles holding my interest. I feel as though much of what is said in that book I have heard before and haven’t had a change of mind. I still see what I originally saw in that scholarship and so out of desperation I picked up Richard Dawkin’s book The God Delusion partly because I recognized the author and the title. But I should have paused for a second thought, realizing I recognized it not from footnotes or a friend’s mention but alas, television, I knew it to be sensationalist. I maintain that the man is Ann Coulter’s political/intellectual foil. If you don’t know either of them, don’t bother. Their sole purpose is to rile people up by claiming with the confidence of Gods things that are such grotesque renderings of what one could call truth (with a lower case t) that it isn’t worth the trouble. Believe me, I couldn’t make it through the Preface I was so blustering flustering mad.

So I gave up and checked out one of my all-time favorite novels. I was given The Picture of Dorian Gray I believe by my Aunt Emily when I was, oh say, around 11 or 12 years old. And eagerly read it on my own. Then I believe I have read it once or twice more for various academic purposes. Re-read it once more after graduating and here I am again. I can’t get enough of the book. Although Oscar Wilde is known for ridiculous out of context aphorisms that seem to be relevant to just about nothing, I still do believe that he cliché paradoxical musings hold exactly that phenomenon of ineffable truth. Perhaps I’m just enchanted by the notions raised in the novel. I’m not sure.

The best part of novel reading and so it is true with this novel in particular is identifying with almost every character to the level of astonished imitation. And thus, the novel becomes an exposition of the self with all its dynamic conflicts, passions etc. I guess I’m partial to the life as literature metaphor… And since The Picture of Dorian Gray’s subject matter entails Beauty and Vanity the act of reading it, and obsessing and admiring the novel’s own Beauty is exactly that collusion of Beauty and Vanity (as one is obsessing over a reflection of oneself) such an interesting read.

Such decadence, intellectually and artistically this book does nothing less than fully engage one. Trying to tease out the different threads between Beauty, Morality and Utility (three big shot topics in the type of philosophy I enjoy) is quite a job, especially when fighting the alluring anesthetization of Wilde’s decadent prose.

So after meeting one of Ireland’s best fiddle players yesterday and having a glorious dinner with great company Brian and I returned to our humble abode. Stoking the fire high and setting our lanterns to buttress the enveloping darkness we opened a bottle of wine and read by lamp and firelight into the wee hours of the morning. I couldn’t imagine a better way to read Dorian Gray. Except maybe in a large deep lounge chair instead of a camp chair.
I vehemently recommend this novel to ANYONE. If you haven’t read it, you must and if you have read it, you must read it again. I’m serious.

On the issue of prose and poetry and art.
I have some thoughts on What is Literature? In regards to myself and my brother. Sartre distinguishes between the use of language employed by the poet and that of the prose writer. It’s fascinating. Perhaps tomorrow I’ll post it specifically. But anyway, this is a bit silly and romantic but as Lord Henry would say, those are exactly the important things in life. Or something along those lines…

My brother is a fantastic poet. I am horrid. Absolutely dismal, but my brother is brilliant. And in my vanity I like to think myself having a disposition toward prose (not like my writings here mind you). Wouldn’t it be fantastic to be a pair of geniuses? Me writing prose and my brother poetry? It seems fit for a novel. Hah. Kidding. Anyway, that was my thought. Seems stunted here, perhaps I haven’t divulged all of it, but I’ll have to recapture it to do so. Perhaps at another time. It had something to do with Sartre, I promise. Alright well we’ve slept in much too late today and 5 tonnes of stone have just been dumped in our front yard and is in need of attention.

Keep emails or snail mail coming folks. I like to hear how you are and replying individually. And for those of you just stopping by to check the blog out and whatnot, give me a shout out somewhere. Let me know you’re checking in and what you think. Cool.

A Collection of Friends

Well I’ve decided to try something new and write my blog entry before I go to the library. Perhaps I’ll start doing it at the end of the day before bed but perhaps not. I am so tired lately…I don’t know if it’s the diet, the work, the sleep or what but I certainly am exhausted for no particular reason. Brian and I have hit a bit of a slump in our work. We have been waiting on the Co-Op for our final bits of tin for a week now so the roof is still not completely finished. But the stove has been working well, we’ve been collecting a lot of wood and we’ve also built our door. The next step appears to be the floor. Something has to be done. It has put a hold on any other project. The unbelievably uneven cement floor needs to be dealt with but we are hesitant to begin without first consulting the know-alls about grants. We might be able to get a grant to cover the expense of doing an underfloor heating system in which case we need to hold off on any floor work.

So the past few days have been so cram packed that I can hardly choose a place to start or really make sense of it all. Saturday was a ridiculous day. Absolutely ridiculous. And the people here are wonderful.

Saturday Brian and I got a ride into town from our neighbors (awesome!) and then we walked down toward the library. Along the way we saw that the small church hall by the library was having a small country market. We obviously decided to stop considering this is where we’d prefer to shop and eventually sell our goods. We were almost immediately snatched up by a whirlwind of generous kind older women.

We were given a cup of tea and biscuits (read cookies cakes etc) and chatted it up with two retired nurses (good people to know in case of any, uh hum, accidents). We were then invited to one’s house where she gave us a loaf of bread and jam and offered us blankets for the winter and really just reminded me so much of my sweet Nanny back home who is just one of those people who are really good at making life wonderful. Her home was beautiful. Brian and I couldn’t stop smiling while she talked and hurried about her kitchen. Barely stopping for air let alone a reply from either of us she whipped and whisked us through her house and several local customs with a matter of fact tone that contained such finality that Brian and I could do nothing but smile and be worked upon by this woman. Truly amazing. If we needed anything, we knew exactly who would love to find a way to get it for us.

But the day didn’t stop there. It was only 1pm or so and after a brief stint at the library Brian and I headed home. Exhausted we stumbled into our driveway and Bee-Lined for the stove. Plopping down in our camp chairs we just sat blown away by the morning.

Then I got up and went to the tent to grab my book and I saw a small note under a rock on the tent. Written on the note it said “I have some doors and units if you would be interested for free” With a phone number and a name, I couldn’t believe our luck. I called the number and met a cheerful voice on the other end. Laughing at my “American talk” she invited us to come take a look at the things she was hoping to get rid of.

So Brian and I walk back toward town and up a large hill (brea, or breagh, or something). Halfway up the breagh I see a woman out on the street in front of another gorgeous home with a cordless phone waving. Brian and I look at each other and say “Here we go again” She is thrilled to meet us and gives us each a kiss on the cheek and invites us in to meet her company. In her living room, are three guests who are equally interested in meeting us. Brian and I had hurried over because it had been getting on in the evening (5pm or so) and so when we arrived we actually had started sweating…embarrassing. We apologized that we were a bit overheated and before we knew it two ice cold beers were in front of us. You’d think the Gods had scripted this exactly. A lively woman and her husband were visiting along with a neighbor and between the two women there was a bubbling tennis match of gossip with Brian and I tossing in answers and comments like two little school girls trying to join double dutch…haha. No but seriously it was like that.

Again we were offered the world and actually had a great time chatting and hanging out and carrying on. We ended up staying for 4 hours! It was perfect, absolutely perfect. Plenty of doors and other items that we could definitely use. Not only that, but we got a ride back home! In addition, we came home with a small refrigerator’s worth of food. Sure beats PB&J.

THEN…(I know it keeps going). Brian and I decide to go into town (well basically we had a date at a local bar) and we end up meeting some great people at the bar who against our will bought us a couple round of drinks (it’s getting more and more difficult to fend off these offers or more accurately, more difficult to repay them when we rarely see the benefactors). So Brian and I had thrown back a few and were just having a ball with one of our “getting to be” regular pub friends. We’re then taken to a local nightclub (our first time) and are introduced as Justin Timberlake’s brother/cousin (I can’t remember) and Brian went through 50 cent’s brother to Denzel Washington’s brother, to Halle Berry’s brother. We tried to explain that Brian was not black and that this white lie wouldn’t fly. We then tried to brainstorm all the celebrities that were neither white or black because we were told that nobody would be able to tell the difference between such a celebrity and Brian. Classic. Well in our state we couldn’t quite think of anyone…until we get into the group cab where we’re introduced to our first strangers…first reaction from Dude #1 toward Brian’s personality is “He looks more like Selma Hayek’s brother” Money! Haha. So with pseudonyms set and a BAC well into party mode we set off for the nightclub.

Upon arriving at the nightclub and finding out they didn’t have any Jaeger left Brian and I decided to cut the night short. It was somewhere around 2am anyway and we’d had quite the day already. So after taking a shot, the content of which we can no longer remember (the only important thing was that it was 55%, 110 proof and didn’t taste that bad) we started our walk home. Cue the international drunk dial. “Hey mom”….(yeah what can I say, she loved it)

And we basically woke up today (Tuesday) somehow though, sleeping through Sunday and Monday we got the back lawn cleared and the door built. We have a fortress of a kitchen door. Seriously.

Butttt again it doesn’t end. (this is what happens when I’m not restricted by an hour of internet. You get long ass blog entries. Suckas.

I met a possible relation this morning who has offered us dinner and a shower (score!) He also asked when the house warming party was going to be (I’m afraid and totally pumped that half the town may end up here, sweeeet) As long as I have a room to lock myself in, Brian adds. Punk.

Brian and I have enjoyed thinking up schemes to repay all these kind people. Creativity abounds and we’ve got some great things planned. But for now they’ll stay secret. Oh and I still have a lot to say regarding my current book (which is driving me insane) but alas. That’s boring and I’ll continue to put it off.

We also got to watch a football match on the pitch that part of my land overlooks. It was quite fun and reminded Brian and I of Sunday’s at Pomona. We had a little Ratatat playing sitting in camp chairs up on a field hill watching an athletic match (football instead of lacrosse this time) and well…the Tilt was missing but that’s about it….sigh, nostalgia.

Speaking of which, I’m wondering when our first visitor is coming. Ahem. Ok that’s probably plenty for now. It’s time to go. But also, one of my great brethren of the PPXC ilk has inked himself and to honor that which we have given our blood sweat and tears. Here here, my dear man. I salute you.

Not Sure How Much Time...

So we've taken a wee little break since 'completing' the roof and getting the stove up and running. Today we are going to build the door and window frame. Yesterday I did some trimming and landscaping type things and bought my Scythe! It's great. I have blisters all over my hands. The handle is well, Brian described it as Caramel Apple Pop green. Like it's the sugariest friendliest little kid section of the store colored green. Not at all the color a Scythe should be. Brian bought a large Blue Axe and it looks much more menacing. Anyway, our new toys led to a much greater efficiency in getting wood for the stove and clearing away the swamp we live in. I think things look SO much better. We obviously have named our new appliances. The verdict is still out on the stove tentatively named Black Betty. And the Axe I think is named Blue Steel. And my Scythe we thought, since it did have a large curved black blade on the end of it, calling it Caramel Apple Pop was only accenting the friendly side and not the deadly side. So Brian's genius came up with Poison Apple. It's great. It so very much is exactly Poison Apple. I'll post pictures like always, some other time.

Not much has happened lately I suppose, or I'm just completely blanking. I put on warm undies for the first time today which was, let me tell you, one of the most amazing things. Taking a freezing cold shower from a hose in the front yard is pretty bad, but coming into a nice warm stove with your clean clothes laying atop it getting all toasty is next to heavenly. I felt great.

We also were aroused early this morning by some neighbors (I think I've failed to clarify the 'neighborhood' we're on a small lane by ourselves situated between two houses, the men being brothers) So by neighbors I mean down the road a bit. It turns out my grandfather's cousin lives just down the road and they drove up to meet us and take a look at the house. The guy is rad. He fought in Germany for the British army, is taken with 'the drink', and pretty much seems baller. Really, it's just nice to have a relation. Fun and exciting. His people knew my people mainly because we're the same people. Awesome. Anyway, they offered their homes anytime to just come chill. Which I think Brian and I will definitely take them up on. A short jaunt down the road to hang out with these guys seems exactly what we need. That was exciting.

I've been filled lately with all these romantic notions when looking at this house. Clearing away a lot of the brush and bramble yesterday only heightened those thoughts. I have great plans for an orchard back in the area I was clearing yesterday and the neighbors have young children. So naturally, like you do, I got all excited about the prospect of having these trees in the yard and letting the neighbor kids come pick fruit from them when they're ripe. I also want to turn a patch of land along the lane in front of all three of our houses into a wildflower field. It will take a lot of work to turn over all the soil by hand and somehow clear all the seeds (Brian suggested burning but I don't know if I want to do that) but having a great big field of different flowers along the lane I think would be absolutely fantastic. This is all in addition to the quaint mental image I have of this cottage.

Brian and I also stumbled into a second-hand furniture shop yesterday and I really can't wait to have house we can start furnishing. We found this set of brown chairs and a sofa that are perfect, they really are perfect. But we passed. It's a little far off to be buying furniture. But regardless. This place is going to be amazing. With an ease in the finances it seems anything is possible because our labor seems infinite. No matter how tired we get and sore and how much work we do we just go to bed, sleep a little late and start again the next day. We had a great hearty meal for really cheap last night that we cooked on the stove...besides that, we don't need anything more. Benefits of youth I guess. But I'm taking full advantage.

I cut my hand again. My hands now sport multiple tiny cuts all over them 5-8 blisters and they are still permanently cramped from trying to screw so many things manually. But its all paying off. I'm looking forward to the weekend. Using the scythe is keeping my abs in shape since I have no real comfortable place to do my normal workout. It hasn't rained in a while and has actually been warm, even hot when you are doing lots of work.

I brought my book in with me today but I dont' think I've read enough of it to give an adequate critique yet, so I'll let you all go for a while. But otherwise, not much to report.

We found out about a grant program in Ireland that supports the sustainable energy movement and we are looking into applying. That not only would help out a ton but probably open up more doors to resources for the rest of this project. Plus it would be a nice upgrade in amenity than our original plans. We've had to make some sacrifices to the whole environmental lifestyle though that always makes me a bit torn. Like our hearty meal last night was all canned food. Which isn't necessarily bad but most canned food is full of preservative, comes from far away and pretty much just has a lot of embodied energy in manufacturing. Let's just say I can't wait to get the garden going and be able to grow more of my own food.

Anyway, I'm just sort of rambling now. We haven't seen crazy dog in a while which is too bad. Oh and the Euro Stretch (dollar store) in town went out of business or left or something. That was a hard hit...we dont' know where we'll buy ping pong balls....hahah.

That is the next project on the immediate horizon. The yard, the deck, the mailbox and the beruit table are all side projects that we have been working on as breaks or in between larger projects as a sort of destresser. They are all fun smaller projects that we really want to do. The mailbox is being crafted out of Castlemaine cans, the deck is scrap wood, the yard just needs to be taken care of and the beruit table we haven't seriously considered until we got the stove and closed in room with a dry roof. We've decided we need a wind turbine with a high enough output to run Hui's B3 stereo system...our little radio just isn't good for really rocking out.

As most of you can tell, I'm in a much better mood and I can almost directly relate that to the lack of rain. But also the stove. So I guess the blog becomes more boring the nicer and more positive I get. That is to be expected I suppose. Perhaps one query I would be interested in people's thought was raised while reading my current book... I'll close with it.

This quote comes in the middle of an example using the metaphor ARGUMENT IS WAR.

"The essence of metaphor is understanding and experiencing one kind of thing in terms of another."

The authors italicize this sentence to point out specifically that "argument is not a subspecies of war but that ARGUMENT is partially structured, understood, performed, and talked about in terms of WAR."

The question I had concerning this idea (which is not a new one considering the Methods class taught by Zayn) is one of primacy. I'm curious as to both the opinions of those who are and are not familiar with Zayn's "structured and structuring" bit.

Does primacy matter? Or is it even applicable? Is there a difference between structuring and understanding WAR in terms of ARGUMENT and structuring and understanding ARGUMENT in terms of WAR?

I'd like to know because if one were attempting to sever the link between the two in order perhaps to structure argument differently etc...Does it make sense to understand which one is being drawn from the other? Is it merely circumstantial? Or can it fall under the "systematic way" in which metaphorical expressions are linked to metaphorical concepts that the authors claim exists?

Let's hear your thoughts.

oh also. I was going to do a book review of what i've read so far of Metaphors we Live by. But Brian is hungry now so I'll save it for another time. It's boring academic stuff anyway. In addition. I would love love love to give a great good ol' PPXC limp wrist high smacking five back to that tall blonde canadian son of gun that lights up a corner of this dark and dusty heart of mine. What a champ. Ladies and gents, what a champ. DMaas, hurtin' without you. Law school schmall school, we could use you out here, although, the doorways are a bit small. Crazy party dolphin...nothin' like it. Alright, laters.

Men vs. Swallows Dog vs. Traffic

Ok everyone I have a lot to catch you all up on and I think I'm in a better state of mind to remember it all. So here it goes...

We've found out from multiple people that this has been the worst summer in 15 years which is oh so encouraging...we weren't just crazy. AND it's been nice here lately. Perfect. It really is beautiful. So without much rain the spirits are soaring.

We are millimeters away from finishing our roof for good. We have a nice skylight that opens up the inside quite a bit and...drum roll THE STOVE was delivered today so Brian and I have feverishly been trying to get it up and running because it still is quite chilly at night and well, a sleeping bag at 9pm is just sort of getting old. It'd be nice to stay up by dim light and warmness for a few more hours with a nice tall boy and book. Brian is starting Night by Elie Weisel for the first time and I am still skipping through books like it's my job. I started rereading Once a Runner mainly because I couldn't choose anything else and because I can pick it up whenever and not have to read it straight through, just open to a page and start reading. It's comforting.

I also broke down and went for a run. It was a cool foggy misty day (aka perfect running weather) and I told Brian I'd be gone for a half hour (considering how out of shape I felt) well, as could be expected I got caught up in it and ended up running for an hour way out just exploring the roads which I'm not going to lie, is my favorite way to acquaint myself with new areas. The sheep farms here were so compelling that I even considered getting into the trade. Sean the sheep farmer. That's a ridiculous image. But it's just idyllic. Truly is. What a great run. When I decide to get back into it, I will have no shortage of breathtaking runs. It's also perfectly rolling hills, none too large and none too flat. This is my plug to get Crosby out here. Maybe more pictures will help. Anyway....

The title of this post comes from the swallows which are trying to roost in our new roof. I get angry. We need a door. And Dog vs. Traffic comes from one of the strays around here. There are quite a few I've gathered seeing as we see a lot of dogs and not too many owners. We have had two follow us. One was previously mentioned and he has been named Annoying Dog and the other one is this seriously suicidal attack dog that runs out into the street EXTREMELY close to the cars and yaps at them. He also drops down to the ground and creeps along until a car comes and then takes off after it. He is hunting cars, its probably one the funniest/scariest things to watch ever. He is named Crazy Dog. We almost want him to come live with us. He ALWAYS brightens our mood. So that's crazy dog. he's crazy.

We received some mail and so it works. We got spices from Brian's parents (THANK YOU!). And so if people were itching to send some stuff out here this is our wishlist:

Best of Will Farrell DVD
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
The Big Lebowski
Bucket of Cash (or pail, really the container doesn't matter much)

The article about us in the local newspaper came out and it was nice. Many people have mentioned it to us and we weren't too horribly misrepresented. My dad was said to my grandfather and Brian's only quote was saying the Beer was too expensive (haha, sucker) but that's about it. It could have been worse. Definitely. Although, I sound a little bit like a Sally in it because they talk about our eco-friendly motives and how I want to get a good garden going. Oh how domestic. It's true but...I don't know, haha just sounds a bit whatever.

The top of our land has a great view of a local field (called a pitch) where they play football (soccer) and perhaps Irish football and hurling. Nobody has been on it but yesterday it sounded like there might've been a match but we were too busy with the roof. I can't wait for the season to start because That would be a great time. Get the deck completed and go chill up there and watch the games. I'm sort of starving for some sort of athletic outlet. Either watching some football, perhaps playing a bit or entering in some local races, of which there are a few. But I feel a bit awkward doing that.

I'm trying to remember if there was anything else to mention. PJ has come by several more times and it always perks up our mood. Not only is it a nice break from work, but interacting in a non-business setting with someone close in age just seems to take less energy or something. Its almost relaxing, he also turned us on to an even cheaper beer. As Brian said, we should've been talking to him all the time. We also met his twin today (dammit I'm so bad with names.) she offered us a ride into town which let's be honest, is amazing. Although, the 3k walk isn't bad really at all, it just takes a ton of time which is something we don't always have enough of when shops close at 530pm or whatnot. She was really nice, she was heading off to work and well I guess Brian and I have been kinda dick (we haven't introduced ourselves officially to the neighbors on the other side of us (Pj's family) yet...our b.) (like the double I guess now triple parantheses?) Figured.

You guys. This is going to be a sweet-ass house. Visits need to happen. But maybe not for a couple months. But seriously. So much potential. Oh, I'm buying a scythe to keep the yard trimmed and clean. Imagine that, haha. Hacking away at a giant field with a scythe. Yeah. Let's just say my whole upper body hates me for either neglecting it for over a decade or for giving up running and trying to do something completely different.

Interstella 5555 has been sustaining us. It's this bad: the church right by us had it's bells tolling and I immediately thought of the next few bars of aerodynamic...sad. sad. I tell you. We might be naming our house Darkwood Manor. Bwah.

Ok, this is going downhill. Perhaps I'll just cap it off and try to upload pics. Check y'all laters.

Sigh

Well, I went back and re-read a lot of what I've written since being here mainly because of a comment left by I'm assuming someone here. The last thing (obviously) that Brian or I would want to do here would be to make enemies. Looking back over what I've written I see the offensive things I've written and as Brian said the yesterday, "In general, generalizations aren't accurate" So yeah, I've generalized a lot about the people and place here. No it's not accurate. Yes, this blog is whiny, I knew that from the start. So what to do then? A cliche. Everybody is when you don't know them. Patronising I'll take, that's true and is unfair, however, representing a foreign people for an audience of your own back home, anything one might say would be patronising. Again, when you don't know them... Pretentious, yeah, whether in the States or in Ireland that hasn't changed, and I'd say I've toned it down while being here. Gobshite, sure, what is the point of a blog? Gobbing shit. And the point of reading a blog? Reading gobshite. So don't know what to say about that one. Ending in tears, most likely, but that's not really the point. I feel as though this project, my reason for being over here is to give this place and people a chance despite my biased baggage. This is prattling gobshite but again, I claim I'm limited by the medium. For those of you not in Buncrana, Brian and I were approached by a local newspaper wanting to do a story on us. I asked Brian after the reporters left whether this would help us or hinder us. It looks like it may do both. It comes out tomorrow. On another note, we have the first chunk of roof almost completed and I'd say things are looking good. We did our first stint of laundry at the laundromat today and it feels good to have clean clothes. I had a lot more to write but I can't remember it right now. I'll try to post a few pictures if I have time.

Roofing

Today's post will suck because I am absolutely exhausted. My forearms and hands are permanently cramped and no longer have any strength. Typing is quite difficult. Brian and I put up our rafters today so we have a good looking roof frame up. Pictures will come. We also rented a cement grinder (yikes power tools!) and freed up the last sheets of tin that were cemented to the wall. It was very apparent that my father was not the power tool type because Brian had to do most of the grinding. I'm sorry but a machine that is a quarter of my weight and spins I don't even know how quickly and cuts through cement while I am perched atop a roof rafter jusssst doesn't fit my bill. go figure. I'm guessing by the time my far away brethren are celebrating the only real joys of life (running and drinking and tahoe) this weekend, we here in Ireland, may, just may, finally have a functional roof above our heads. And a damn sexy one at that. The next step is stove door and window. Then...THEN! We are in business.

Today was the first time Brian and my tempers wore a bit thin with each other. I was wondering when this might happen and was fairly surprised we lasted this long (I tend to wear on people). However, it was diffused pretty quickly and we got back to work and joking around. I think...just maybe, we both realize how absolutely essential it is that we both stay cool with each other, because if that were to go, I think this whole project might go up in flames....if that was anywhere near possible in this permanent bog. But, afterall, we're all each other has....quaint. But regardless, as Sydney prepares to join us (still a month and some away) we are preparing for her arrival. Brian and I have determined that the first few days she spends here we will lock up the house and go on holiday and she can stay in the tent. Hah. Just kidding. But let's just say she's stepping into a nice situation considering the amount of work and hell she's skipped so far. We've been blessed by weather and I got a haircut.


Anyway, I haven't much else to report. Adrian our barkeep friend who normally works McCaillon's is on holiday in croatia until Friday, we haven't seen the Eggman in a while but the people I rented the cement grinder from seemed really nice and glad that we weren't tourists, haha. Also the replacement barkeep at McCaillon's also appreciated our extended stay and our project. That helps a lot. Oh! I can't believe I forgot to tell you all about Peej. I guess this past weekend was so exciting he got lost. The neighbor boy stopped by a few nights ago on his way out to the pubs and introduced himself. Nice kid, had nice friends, they all have short bleach blonde styled hair and similar clothes. His name is PJ and Brian and I are going to call him Peej, in honor of our good friend BJ Newman. Thanks Beej. He's probably 19 I'm guessing? Anyway, we hadn't met him right away because he had been away on holiday in the Canary Islands, sounds awesome. Maybe, I don't really know anything about the Canary Islands. The most important point about Peej is that one of his friends said without any provocation that our house would "look really good when it's all done" in probably the most genuine tone I've heard thus far. It was unbelievably relieving and joyful to hear that. I just about fell down dead in love with that little kid. What a saint. He has no idea. And he's fucking right, the people who say we should just demolish it are the nutjobs.

So this post turned out to be way longer than I thought it would but I guess that'll happen. I could almost say I'm getting used to the rain here, or at least not getting so upset every time it pours. Maybe, or maybe we've just been getting really lucky with the weather. I can't wait for this roof. It's getting pretty chilly at night and Brian and I definitely, definitely need to hit the laundromat. The clothes are like, beyond dirty, as in, they are absolutely disgusting to put on, not just look dirty or have dirt on them. Like they are cold and slimy and gross to even put on. So yeah, that's cool. But I'd have to say morale is "high" right now, i should say, just below even keeled really, but that's pretty damn high for this trip. Feeling like a local again cruising around town on the bike with a grinder strapped to the back. I'm getting to know my way around pretty well and now take all the shortcuts and ride in the street even though the streets are 10 ft wide and cars drive about 02837146892346280957 km/h which i think is still pretty fast in mph. Nah, actually I think they are in mph here but I'm not sure since the signs are in kph. No wonder there are so many auto fatalities in Ireland (its about all you hear about on the radio) but never fear, we are being careful even when others aren't!

Not sure if I've mentioned this before, forgive me if I have, but due to the incessant repetition of music in Ireland we have switched to the Irish channel which is less annoying to listen to adverts and such and plays mostly classical music concerts and some traditional folk music. It's great, Brian and I were brushing up on our 18th century composers and aria singers the other day. Good stuff. I sang an aria to Brian sawing our support beams. He was absolutely charmed to the gills, but you can't blame him I have that effect on people. Keep it real Statesiders. Or even non-Statesiders, I see some people checkin' in from round the world, and I wish good times, security and an extra dose of patience to all those people. Japan, Russia, the like. Cool. I'm going to go swing a hammer.

CastleMania!

*** There is a new poll at the bottom of this page***

Well it's been an exciting weekend and a lot has happened since my last post. It was a long one (I just looked over it, I'm sorry). Yesterday and today were mercifully dry and absolutely appreciated to the max. Brian and I moved the "deck" up on the priority list because the view from the top of the hill on our land is absolutely magnificent. Let me try to recount the weekend for you all.

Our plan was to demolish the old roof on Saturday and start building the new one. Hoping to finish by Monday at the latest we anticipated a dry room. Saturday stormed (like I said in my last post I believe.) Then it was dry on Sunday morning and we got down to work on ripping the old roof off. We sawed through most of the rafters, peeled back a few layers of corrugated metal and pretty much gutted the roof as much as we could. It still stood. We hit it in all the weak places with our sledge, sawed more timber and it still stood. We sat looking at it cursing and wishing it would just fall down. It still stood. This roof was indestructible and took all day on Sunday trying to figure out how to get rid of it. Frustrated, hungry and cold, we decided to take a break and walk down to the filling station for a Mint Magnum pick-me-up. Ranting the whole way down about how this roof won't come down, how tired we were, how much we had worked, how hard we had tried we realized we needed a serious break. A stray black lab had found it's way to the house and was now following us around. Normally this would have been easily dealt with, but neither Brian or I were in the mood to deal with a stray dog digging into our food and begging us for attention. Fuck off dog. It followed us all the way down to the filling station. When we got there we saw that it was dark and the door was locked. Are you shitting me? Brian sits down on the small ledge by the front window and I stand looking at him. The dog sits patiently to Brian's right. Then, as if on cue, it begins to POUR, I mean absolutely dumps buckets of water on us. The dog skulks behind Brian's legs and lies down. Brian and I look at each other expressionless, it's beyond not believing, it's ineffable. It was a truly, horrible day.

Brian and I give up. It's simply just more than we can handle. So we walk into town. Order a large dinner. Eat til we are full and then stop by the grocer on the way out of town back home. We pick up two four packs of the cheapest tall boys we can find. It's an imported Australian beer called Castlemaine with a 3.7% alcohol content and a euro a pop it seems to be our Godsend. We will now keep a Mint Magnum:Pints:Castlemaine tally because we think it deserves it's own category. Finally a cheap liquor here. We were remarking at dinner how ironic it was that Ireland had cured both our alcoholisms. So we get back to the house somewhere around 8:15pm and crack our Castlemaine's. It's atrocious. Worse than Icehouse. But by 10pm Brian and I have forgotten our troubles, halfway created (for the first time) a 'booty' playlist for me (Kiss the Girl from Little Mermaid is the headliner) and curled up in our sleeping bags. 10 30pm Interstella is about 3 songs in and we are both unconscious in our beds. Ireland said fuck you guys and we said fuck Ireland.

As Sunday was night, Monday was light. The forecast called for heavy rains (hence the lack of responsibility in the previous night's drinking) and we were prepared for another huge setback. The roof was still standing and after two hard days of work we had nothing to show. It was not however rainy on Monday. It was sunny and clear and wonderful. We got up, started working and by early afternoon each half of the roof was lying in the middle of the floor. Not sure how it happened. How we got it down, but we did. Slamming on the tin with sledges and hammers did not raise such a cacophony as the whoops and hollers when that roof fell. We were overjoyed. And the Sun was shining! Finally, something was going right and we were moving forward. We dropped our tools and walked straight down to the filling station and each bought TWO Mint Magnums. The Sun continued to shine and we cleaned out the roof and washed the walls and swept the floors. The room was roofless, clean and ready for our new roof. We had worked hard and felt obliged to put off building until today. Since we were quite tired and the probability of things being done sloppily or rushed was quite high. It was late afternoon anyway and a good dinner was in order. We cleaned up as best we could (which is nowhere near respectably dirty in a normal sense) and I put on my last clean pair of jeans that I had been rationing to save their cleanliness. We then headed into town.

About halfway into town a periwinkle turd car drove past at a high speed and before we saw anything an egg slammed into my right shin splattering everywhere. Apparently the day was going too well. It made but a small dent in my mood though because I just couldn't let something as infantile and stupid ruin our triumphant day. Most of my disappointment, rage, fed up-ness etc simply leaked down further and it's sad to say that it is now difficult for me to see people around here I don't know as potential friends or people whom I am eager to get to know. Instead, I now have a skeptical voice in the back of my head that asks if this new person is an adversary as opposed to a friend. Sad indeed. It's just another thing that sits atop the list of shit that makes me tired of this situation. It makes me so very grateful and appreciative of our few friends: my neighbors and Peter the Eggman. So with egg all over my jeans, Brian and I continued on into town and had a filling dinner before turning around and walking back home. It still was a good day.

There's not much to speak of as far as today goes. It took us longer to get the rafter framework up than we thought (a running theme it would seem) and then it began to rain. Duh. So we'll save the rest of the roof building for tomorrow. I've promised to buy a stove as soon as we get this roof up. We are ever so excited for it. A dry warm place would drastically improve our situation. We're still aiming for it. Otherwise, our funds are still dwindling and we really can't look further ahead than a couple days or one project. We are desparately trying to keep the whole main goal dream alive for this place but with each progressing day it seems more and more daunting and our ability to complete it satisfactorily less and less. If only we had unlimited funds, right? Seems to solve everything doesn't it? Seems, being the operative word. We'll see. Getting the old roof down was a huge step and is providing a large source of morale and mental energy. At least at this point, we are making progress (however slowly). There is nothing more frustrating than being stuck. And stuck we were but no longer. Let's just hope our building isn't crap. We need a level.

On a completely different note, it has been about a solid month now that I haven't gone running. I told myself I was going to take a year off after my marathon from running in general. Let my body have a break etc. But I am missing it terribly at the moment. But I cannot tell if it isn't simply being lumped in with the general homesickness. Which by the way, I have never ever experienced quite like this before. There are times certainly, where I have missed things, and missing my family at college was not altogether unfamiliar. But even at those times, my longing was balanced with or overridden by a sense of satisfaction in my current position. I was satisfied and happy at Pomona and so while I missed my family, or old friends, or what have you, I was still waking up to sunshine, enjoying the company of great friends and attending classes I was intrigued by. Here, I miss things such as family, sunshine, people like me and I won't deny, warm showers, clean clothes, and *gasp* I even miss a/the car a bit. The problem here is that it's not being balanced by any sort of positive satisfaction and so therefore, my homesickness or longing has become a burden. Just one of the many. Great. It's becoming increasingly difficult to even have happy daydreams. My mind just doesn't have the energy or belief to create them. And that realization is soul crushing. And while I cannot without daunting reserve see myself succeeding in this, I think there is some basic primal fundamental spoiledness in getting my way that I'm not sure my brain will allow me to seriously consider failure. I cut my hand with the saw.

What's the point in putting yourself through duress to appreciate the things you have if you miss them when you don't have them and they become mundane when you do? I was trying to remember the reasons why I came here in the first place, particularly the things I was eager to leave. Now looking back so far, there are things I certainly appreciate more and perhaps will even if I have them again. But it seems ridiculous that I should have to do this to be able to be appreciative. If I were back in the States pursuing one of the other options I had, I would be in exactly the same state of mind. How frustrating. I'm not sure where I'm going with this. And I am tired, so sorry for the confusion. Please write and let me know how you are all doing. It will provide fuel for my daydreams.

Rain Again

So we had a stretch of good weather this past week that allowed us to collect most of our roof supplies. We were hoping for one more clear day during which we could put the roof up. But alas, the "cool damp summer" of Ireland got us and it's now pouring rain. Things had just started to begin to dry out. But no, they are all sopping wet again. And as dreaded, the negative attitude has returned with the rain. I am hoping that this sort of reaction is just the beginning of transitioning to a new non-ideal/Californian climate. Hah.

Today is then a library day because Brian and I are really getting sick of being sidelined by the rain and trying to work through it. It takes so much more mental and physical energy to work in the rain or around the rain and we're starting to fall apart. A break was in order I suppose. The dashed hopes of having a dry place by this weekend have taken their toll. It's led to multiple brainstorming sessions on how people live here. It seems impossible. Everything is always wet. And the worst part, is that this is summer. Winter is worse, or so we've heard.

The other worry that has surfaced prominently since we aren't seeing any results from our expenditures is money. Things are way more expensive here due to our sucky ass dollar. And I'm really worried about money. This combined with "roughing" it has given me a mentality of severe "relative deprivation". It certainly feels a lot different than living an extremely comfortable privileged life in the States. We are nowhere near the same economic bracket. Which I guess I'm not surprised considering Brian and I moved over into a country where our currency exchange is weakened with absolutely nothing. Just sayin' in addition to the rain it makes things mentally difficult. Morale is a rare commodity. We have hung our hopes on this roof and a delay on that hope is tough to handle. We keep telling ourselves things will be better once we have a stove and a dry roof. It's amazing how much of a change being warm and dry makes. Thinking about getting a job here to ease the hemorrhaging of funds is futile considering there is no way I would be able to A) become presentable enough for an interview considering all my clothes smell like camp smoke, I have a hard time keeping my hair clean and the grime on my skin has led to a breakout. Lovely. However, B) if I somehow landed a job, I would need to buy workclothes, things I can't afford and somehow keep them clean and show up presentable for work. Neither of these tasks seem feasible. I am coming closer to understanding the predicament of many who simply cannot land a job due to lack of funds or better yet, a suitable homebase. We lack a launching pad. I considered applying to graduate school in Dublin to help my visa standing but that too is a gargantuan task considering I only have the internet in 30min sessions for a Euro a piece. Alright, enough ranting.

However, with my concerns over our financial situation increase the less and less the above situation of Brian and me exists. We are less and less wealthy Americans choosing 'poverty' (excuse the term, I can't think of a better one, but it's not poverty) over luxury and more and more poor 'immigrants' (again this language is apalling but I am struggling here to find a better way to discuss our situation.) What do you all think? It seems strange for all of these people to say upon viewing our house that it is a piece of junk. The walls are beautiful and solid, the roof needs repair, the backyard is overgrown but expansive and inviting. I mean, I think this house is fantastic (as a project mind you!). It would break my heart to demolish it. And on the other hand, I simply don't have the money to tear it down and build a new house.

On a lighter note, Syd has said she may be here as early as next month which would be absolutely fantastic. Brian and I are not only desperate for a warm dry place but extra help and a third personality. So far we are doing well with each other considering the circumstances but the thinner our tempers become the more potential for an eruption. We'll see.

We have officially started keeping track of our Mint Magnum (an ice cream bar) to Pints of Beer count. There is a filling station close to our house that we walk by every time we go into town, or to the Co-Op and have thus dedicated all coin money to the Mint Magnum fund. They are delicious and we are buying much more of them than beer. Since we started keeping track we have had two Mint Magnums and zero pints. I'll try to update the tally as we go along here. Although, the Mint Magnum's have an unfair advantage as they are closer and cost only €1.50 as opposed to the cheapest pint which I believe is somewhere around €3.50 Anyway, there's some comedy for you. The few institutions we frequent are getting to know us as regulars and smile when we come in. Some have even started giving us our regular orders without us having to order. When we walk into the library they immediately check the computer availability for us. When we walk into the small diner called The Cranberry they give us ketchup (instead of vinegar) for our "chips" before we've ordered them. And the two women who work the filling station counter smile when we walk in knowing we're in for two more Mint Magnums.

Brian and I have also decided we need to start Wedding Crashing, because there is at least one sometimes two a week. Its wedding season I suppose, summer, yeah. So we have yet to arrange a meeting with the local priest (we figure that's a good way in) Perhaps attending Mass would be a good start. Hah. We are nowhere near suitable enough for Mass.

I am trying to remember if there was anything else I meant to log before signing out. This is already a bit of a long entry but the library is closed Sundays and Mondays so I won't be able to post until Tuesday. Hopefully by then we will be working on the roof again. As for another delightful image that you'll have to create with your mind, I spent much of yesterday shoveling and spreading 1000kg of small stones around the yard and muddy problem areas of the house. Yes, all by myself while Brian was preparing the wooden rafters. Me, shoveling 1 ton of stone. I was definitely tired and my hands are rough and covered in blisters. I have a feeling you guys would not believe a lot of what I write. It's sometimes hard for me to believe we're doing all this, living like this, etc. It's quite funny I guess when you look at it. Haha. It truly is. If it all goes up in flames (as if it could here, hah) then I suppose it was good while it lasted. I definitely have a well rooted seed of doubt living with me now. This may definitely fail. And I might not have any money left to go traveling. Ah well. As Brian and I have been joking. Deportation is a free ticket home.

A Weekend of Work

Well, so I went out to the pubs with Brian on my birthday Wednesday night not intending to drink that much just a couple pints then head back home. We went to our staple bar the Excelsior where the bar owner Peter the Eggman has become our major friend. He is deputy mayor, on the city council and digs our family. Sweet. He lent us his nice power drill and gives us names, contacts etc for everything. He even offered his home shower...we'll see about that one. After having a pint there we decided to check a few of the bars with younger crowds, by Peter's suggestion. Most of the oldies that frequent the Excelsior are the Irish types that are drunk enough or have old enough accents that what they hoot and holler at you while talking inches from your face is damn near incomprehensible. Brian and I are well past running out of replies, such as nodding and saying "Oh, yeah". We went to a new bar down the Street whose name is Irish and so I can't spell or pronounce. But it was great. Cram packed on Wednesday night, live music playing (3 older gentlemen with a fiddle, an accordion and one other instrument I can't remember) The whole place was just decadent in its decor. Quite a fun place that we will have to try again. We then decided to move on to our other staple bar McCaillon's. Here we know the bartender/owner as well Adrian who we have now run into at the hardware store. (I mention this last bit because it makes me feel like a local) He was getting fixings to keep his German Sherpherd in the yard while they are away on holiday. He told us we should buy a Jeep already. Hah. What kind of budget does he think we have? And clearly doesn't understand the whole eco-friendly nature of our project no matter how many times we've explained it to him. Anyway, we went down to McCaillon's and there were a few younger and a few older gentlemen there. We got into a great conversation about the fascist regime of drinking age in the States with one old man that drew in the rest of the gentlemen sitting at the bar. One lived in Vancouver for 12 years and so we talked a lot about Seattle. The other man Brian Cavanaugh was a great guy with whom we discussed English/Irish politics/history and other sorts. Closing time for the bars here in Buncrana is a mere 12:30 but, but Brian and I found out the secret. Because the two men, Brian Cavanaugh and Donny in addition to Adrian the barkeep and the two of us stayed up drinking (thanks to Brian Cavanaugh, he bought us rounds) until 2 15am! It was grand. All in all it was a good birthday. It made for a rough morning, but we still got a lot of done yesterday. I also learned from Peter the Eggman, that the reason everyone here misspells my name (they all assume Shawn or Shaun). I was thoroughly confused by this and he explained that saying Sean the way we all know me to be called is spelled Shawn or whatnot, but to pronounce my spelling of the name there should be a mark above the A that draws it out. So that my name is actually pronounced Shan (rhyming with flan) Good to know I suppose. Thanks parents for messing that one up! Anyway, time's up for today and I'll try to write something more interesting tomorrow. (everyone knock on wood, it hasn't rained since tuesday, and we need one more day to complete the roof). Cheers.

Today is My Birthday

I am 22.


















We bought most of the rest of the roofing supplies for a quarter of the house and the first half was delivered. We will probably start demolition tomorrow perhaps and might have a new roof up and running by the weekend. What fun. Thank you all for your birthday wishes. My mom called and it was great to hear her voice and know that everyone is doing well back home. We lost our first visitor but I suspect as more pictures of a liveable house go up we'll get others. We are beginning to fit in around here. Brian and I tried the Indian European Cuisine restaurant "Bombay" going in skeptical due to our bad experience with Chinese "Take-Away" (to go) in town. It was great, we were the only people in there, had a delicious (but too expensive for our budget) dinner and made another great contact. Arike (I don't know spelling) is originally from India and moved to Wales. He now lives in Buncrana and runs this restaurant. We have already arranged a party at our place, although we aren't sure he fully understood the condition of "our place" when I described it to him.

I wrote a long bit in my journal about aging and getting older and whatnot but I am not sure I feel like posting it here, firstly because it's nonsense, and secondly I don't have it here with me and thirdly we've had to start paying for internet access which makes my time on here more precious. So perhaps I'll give you a full version later when I bring my notebook to the library. There is so much to tell on these blogs that I have a hard time being an editor (and remembering everything I have to say). It is interesting though, a lot of people here, they react skeptically naturally to our project and our presence. But I have a hard time blaming them. I mean, here we are two scholars trying to do manual labor. I don't know, it just is very apparent between the types of people here none have had experiences like ours. None went to college for the sake of education or blah blah blah, most 'college' here is technical or serves some immediate end, which I have absolutely never had, nor the otherside, held down a menial consistent job whatsoever. So it's been interesting. I don't think they quite understand what it is I have done with my life thus far. Which is fair.

Well ok, more things to do today and I don't have much time left. The computer is quite slow so I'll let it load a lot of photos for the rest of my time. I hope things are well in the States. The weather has been clear here and so I have been happy. We also purchased inflatable mattresses and a camping stove which have DRASTICALLY improved our situation. It's almost home. The mattresses by the way, did not come with a pump and we don't own one. So Brian and I after sharing a bottle of wine attempted to blow up our double mattresses and the combination of wine and extreme lightheadedness lent quite a comical air to the evening.

Excellent. Let me know what you all are doing. I'm curious to know. Zayn, I want to know about the EA retreat in Mammoth. Sounds amazing.

First Weekend Alone

So it's been an up and down weekend. It's stormed a lot and my last post was pretty dismal. However, the rained abated today and the sun is shining. Thank god. This weather has left me a manic depressive. Absolutely in a rotten mood when the sun doesn't shine and then jumping around giddy when it is shining. Sheesh. I have started to consume a large amount of Skittles to keep my blood sugar up since Brian and I don't eat often and are working pretty hard most the day.

We wedged the old cast iron stove out of the fireplace (it involved cutting through two boiler pipes and using old bed frame poles to lever it out). It is rusted through so we spent a lot of the rainy morning scrubbing it down with Brillo Pads. It may be salvageable but we are also looking at getting a brand new one. Regardless having two wood burning stoves wouldn't be a horrible thing. Yesterday the roof above the tent began to leak and I woke up soaking wet. It sucked. I was really really mad. So pissed right now. But we have fixed that, alleviated a drainage problem on the other side of the tent and moved the firepit from outside under the rainfly of the tent to the cleaned out future bathroom/kitchen. It left the room mighty smoky but warm and delightful. We will be getting a vent soon enough and warm meals on a consistent basis are on the horizon. I also took my first shower at the site today. It was cold. Very cold. But standing naked in the front yard holding a hose over my head and furiously scrubbing with CampSuds got most my long hair and body clean. I was well beyond numb by the time I finished. But even though the sun had peaked through the clouds, my pride shined brighter. Sadly for all you except maybe family, I cannot post a photo of that spectacle. I also scaled the roof and got the measurements for purchasing timber/metal etc. So we may have a new roof soon as well.

The radio is our saving grace, like I've mentioned before. I now have the radio's number in my contact book on my cellphone for texting in requests. We have yet to get one. The Uk and Ireland have deplorable taste in music. Except for Sunday Classic Gold. But then, all of that is American music, for the most part. Gotta go.

On our Own

The first couple days alone have been good so far. Although, we are trying to work quickly both subconciously knowing that this situation won't last long. It takes it's toll. Brian built a fire at the end of the first work day on Saturday and we had a warm meal. Otherwise we've been eating fruits, PB&J and the like. We cleaned out one room pretty well and trimmed a lot of the overgrown vegetation around the house down. Sunday (today) we just cleaned out our second room. This room will be the one we'll work on first. Tentatively the bathroom/kitchen aka room that will have running water. Our next project entails cleaning up the old rusted stove and the disgusting sink.

The streak of warm sunny days ended when my family left. It's now cold and rainy all the time. Most of my clothes are damp and nothing ever completely dries out. This makes working really difficult especially on little food. The beds have worked out well though and at least we are warm and dry at night. Capable of getting a full night's sleep is definitely saving our lives.

Clearing the vegetation was a bitch, particularly because its brambles, nettles and holly bushes. But I am trying to salvage the holly so it's particularly difficult getting into the middle of a holly bush to clear out nettles. I've been stung so many times my arms just throb. However, when the sun does occasionally shine it is a peculiar feeling. To be honest I harbored some of the same doubts that others had in my ability to do this. Yes, its only day two, but already I have blisters on my hands, bugbites on my forearms, manure on my shoes and legs and I find myself trudging around this farmhouse with a shovel in one hand and metal bucket full of either dirt (I planted herbs last night, cilantro, mint, and basil) or wood ash (used for our compost). The sun shines and it feels quite wholesome. I'm happy to be here and to look out the broken glass windows onto rolling fields of my land. A strange sense of belonging in such a foreign place.

Anyway, I am already excited to show people this house, even though we haven't done much. I have so many great plans for it we'll see which ones make it to fruition. The depressing thought is that the weather only gets worse from now on. Sadly though, no pictures this time. Not much to show I guess and this particular internet cafe has the computer locked in drawer, so no usb connection for me. Fuckers.

We bought a small transistor radio and its been a lifesaver, there are few fun stations around. Sunday's are golden classics days (which is great) they play nonstop songs like, Tina Turner's What's Love Got to Do with It and the soul crushing song that made Brian and I stop, throw down our tools and turn the radio off for 20 minutes, The Mama's and the Papa's California Dreaming. That was the last song we needed to hear. Anyway, I think we might be settling into this way of life. Hopefully we can get a slightly more luxurious abode before this type of living gets to us. It can get frustrating and I'm definitely moving slower than Brian. But its good to have him here to keep me on task. Otherwise I think it might take me a lot longer to get anything done.

I was sitting listening to JJ Alberhasky (a friend from Iowa) who is a great "folk" musician who has music that never fails to coax some sort of emotion out of me either longing, sadness, nostalgia whatnot. And as I was listening to it the last night in the hotel (in dim light, I love dim light) I considered the longing it brought out of me because certainly I am in a position susceptible to longing. But upon reflection I noticed that these soulful songs that tell so many sad stories none of which I particularly relate to call forth an indistinct sense of longing that longs for nothing in particular but as I thought further perhaps longing itself. Longing for longing seems strange though, but it also seems right. There were a couple of thoughts that went along with that but I can't quite remember them at the moment. But somehow it tied into the difference between the Hero and the Coward, a theme that came up right toward the end of my time at Pomona and I haven't had the chance to intellectually entertain. As soon as we get this stove working and dry enough place to put my books in addition to time and energy, perhaps we'll see more here. Ok I'm getting kicked off the computer. I hope everyone starts the weekend well. Pray for sunshine.

Last Day

This entry will be short because I need to get a lot done before my family leaves tomorrow morning. Brian and I found two "beds" for 30€ which is a great deal. We are excited. We've put the tent up in one room and we should be good to go for the first couple weeks by ourselves. My birthday is on Wednesday and our current thought is to buy a keg in one of the bars and invite everyone to free drinks. One way to make a splash eh? I thought so. Otherwise things are going well and we are excited to start. Talk to you all later.

Sunshine

I think it was crucial that we arrived here in the summer. It has been mercifully sunny, enough so to keep these two Californians happy. It also allows good feelings about this place to form before the going gets tough. We met with an architect last night. One who remembered our land and my grandfather so he was happy to see us and help us. He gave us great news.

We were quite worried coming over here about the building permit issues we would need to do work. I had heard horror stories about permits taking upwards of 7 years. Obviously, too long for our project. I was afraid we might be dead in the water from the get go. However, since we have decided to renovate (pretty entirely) the existing stone farmhouse we won't need building permission to redo the roof, the interior, we can put up a back porch and a 12m tall windmill in addition to redoing electrical and water systems without the building council. This equals money. Amazing news. We went to the pubs to celebrate.

I know its a bit early, but the pub scene....everything was closed by midnight. Brian and I walked Main Street and had it been more busy we might have gotten our asses kicked because we were loudly complaining about how early everything had closed. Granted it was a Wednesday night I thought for sure at least 1am guys right? This is Ireland after all, they're known for drinking. But apparently here, Guinness is an old persons drink because you have about 2 feel very full and go home to bed. Good to know. And its suprisingly refreshing that there are a large amount of young adults. It is not the gentrified old rural town I thought it would be. It is thriving with two larger towns not far away Letterkenny, and Derry. With the peace between Northern Ireland and the Republic it has eased the strain between the border (we are quite close) and so people move more freely and without trouble. This leads to greater amounts of young people staying in Buncrana.

Brian and I are excited that the local community college teaches Gaelic classes in the evening and the local cinema has bingo on Wednesdays and Sundays from 7pm-9pm. We'll definitely be there. Yup. Let's see we had tea with our neighbors (can't remember if I mentioned that previously) and it was grand. Absolutely delicious bread and butter jam, cookies etc. and the tea was pretty darn good as well. The land has a great view of the surrounding mountains. We are literally nestled between three or four mountain ranges. and we have a tiny glimpse of the Lough (pronounced lock). The waterfront in the town is all public park which is amazing and I am extremely grateful for that. There is path along the water that goes for miles (I have yet to explore it running) So basically, I'm awaiting Crosby's arrival. Let's go man. The farmhouse is quite large as you may or may not be able to tell from the photos. But there are two large main rooms with fireplaces and two auxiliary rooms on either side. There is also a covered shed type area. It is quaint and awesome. We are learning all about gardens as we have been and will start composting right away. Future plans include an orchard, herb garden, veggie garden, and perhaps a small plot of sweet corn. Who knows, the sky's the limit.

We have yet to meet or socialize with many of the young people here but I assume this weekend will give us a good chance. We are on our own come Saturday, so far my father has provided us with a hotel room and free pints of Guinness. The dollar really is crap against the Euro (and only getting worse) which really puts us in a bind. Bud Heavy here is 3.70 Euro for a pint. I don't know the rest. But the bartenders are really friendly and love to chat us up. The other thing working in our favor is that it is not customary to tip. Whew!

Alright. I have to pee and Brian left to go grab a bite at the local coffeeshop. My dad has taken of to Ballyliffin to golf for the day and we still need to grab bikes. We are meeting with the architect next week (he was on holiday and still met with us last night) where we'll go out to the land and get a good look at it. We also are having it appraised by a solicitor or whatnot. In 1997 it was worth 35,000 pounds so it's probably worth a pretty penny now. But alas, we aren't going to sell that shit! It's ours! My dad and I now have half ownership. Which is good definitely. Anyway, I'll post some pictures for now and check in later. I found out my cellphone works and I can text for free to the States. So for those of you who wish to call me I can text you and have you call from a landline. Otherwise its like 15 euro for like 5 minutes, so no. But I can call internationally. so yeah. and its an 8 hour difference from the West Coast mind you. Alright you jokers. I'm checkin' out.

Ireland

So, It's beautiful to be sure. It's nothing too exotic looking, but it is beautiful. I will post photos when I bring my camera to the library (free internet, thank god). Brian and I have our library cards, an address and soon to be bank accounts. Citizens, eh?

It looks like we'll be renovating the existing stone house that is on the land as opposed to building our own from scratch right off. Partially because this will be a much quicker job, we can make the house really nice and its a fucking kick ass house. Like seriously. We met a longtime friend of my grandfather's who owns pub named Excelsior on the main drag. His name is Peter the Eggman. Apparently, according to the Eggman 2/3 of the town is Dogherty 2/3 of the town is McLaughlin and the last 1/3 is mixed. (Brian maintains that he wasn't bad at math, he was merely making a point) The Irish speak extremely quickly here and its next to impossible to understand them. I just nod and smile most the time. I gave up laughing because I'm not sure when it's entirely appropriate. I laughed as one man was telling a story and he stopped, looked at me and said, "Now wireyalaffun?" I am not quick witted enough for this group. Thankfully Brian is. I'm afraid the two of us are going to get raked over the coals as far as socialization goes though. Its quite a different world. Most people thought it mighty strange that we weren't trained in any particular skillset. (Ahem Zayn, Oona, Jerry) They want to know why we can't do Computer Science, business, or something else. The whole scholar part of the economy doesn't hold much water here I think...

Anyway, I will post more later. Right now Brian and I are off to buy bicycles. Guinness here is amazing and lives up to the hype back home. And let's all pray the dollar starts doing better, oy we don't hear the end of it here. We're getting poorer by the minute! But hopefully the old horseshoe above the doorway to the dilapidated McCarron house will continue to bring us luck. How quintessentially Irish this adventure is becoming. Until next time...