So,time for an update me thinks.I havn't written here in ages.There are so many awkward things that happen I don't get to write them all but I'll try and get back into it.
If you read previously I told you about the wonderful,handsome hero of a young man that I ran into on the dart.(I ran into the stairs really but I think the expression fits).I told you of our story and all that (VOM!).Anyway,since then the story has continued.I realise many of you are following this story already and have been for some months but here are the details,just in case you've forgotten any!
So.Dart Boy (we will continue to call him that) left for America.It was all very sad.Nomi was left here by herself,all alone.No hero to come to her rescue.(Between you and me,Nomi didn't mind all that much but lets keep it dramatic!)Dart Boy got a job and seemingly forgot all about her.*Cue aaaws*
Before you start reaching for the kleenex there is more to come!Nomi enters her local dart station on a sunny but cold day.She is wearing her usual attire,a navy coat,a flowery handbag and pink headphones.Today is Nomi's first day of exams.She is anxious but content.She positions herself on the cold metal seat closest to the station door.
Nomi begins to notice a young girl staring at her strangely,what is she looking at she wonders.Is there something on my face?Something in my hair?No,surely not!She must be jealous of my limited addition CK bag!(Just kidding about the jealousy!)Nomi chooses to ignore it.Before long the young girl has moved closer towards Nomi.She looks about 17,thin with fair hair.Nomi does not recognise her but she smiles politely.The girl continues to move closer towards Nomi.Nomi begins to reach for her handbag,remaining cool but fearing her life!Who could this girl be?a spy?A murdered?Who knows but she was approaching fast!
'Excuse me?' the girl said.Nomi had her headphones in so couldn't hear her but 2 years of Deaf Studies proved useful in this situation.Nomi removed her headphones and stood up to talk to the young girl.'Sorry,but are you Nomi?'the girl asked.'Em,yeah..'Nomi replied.The young girl smiled.'I'm Tom's sister'she continued.Nomi pondered for a few minutes,Tom?Who's Tom?Nomi looked puzzled.The young girl continued,using his second name and it finally dawned on Nomi that this was in fact the sister of Dart boy!'Oh yes,Tom!'Nomi smiled.She didn't know where this conversation was going but she continued to stand on the platform with this young girl.
The stood awkwardly.It felt as if the girl was holding something back,waiting to do something.Nomi looked around her.The train pulled into the platform.The doors began to open and people began to rush past.As Nomi watched this all unfold around her she felt two arms wrap themselves around her.It was the girl!What was going on??They'd only just met.The girl,after a few seconds,stepped back.'That's from Tom'she said,'he said today is the first day of your exams'she continued.Nomi was shocked and could only respond with 'oh'.Both girls walked onto the dart,sat down at the nearest seats and Nomi began to make conversation with the young girl.It transpired that she was in her leaving cert year and had taken the day off school.She had been waiting at that platform for hours,she didn't know what train Nomi would be getting on.That's a dedicated sister,right?I wonder how much Tom was paying her!
The awkward train journey continued.The girls swapped small talk and eventually the girl got off.Nomi continued on to college and sat her exam.It went well.All in all,it was a good day.
So Nomi continued on with life.She filled her summer with different things.She travelled to Romania for 3 weeks and a few days after returning decided to go and visit her friend.Her friend lives about a half an hour train journey from her.As I'm sure you can all relate after you return from a long trip away it can take a while to wash all of your clothes (and theres many that are dumped in your suitcase in your room).So Nomi was wearing one of her more 'casual' dresses.Not the nicest and not the most flattering.It was a 'no make-up' day too.Who would be on the dart on a Sunday afternoon??Surely nobody!Nomi stepped onto the train and sat down in her usual spot.She plugged in her headphones and began to relax.She looked out the window.It was nice to be home she thought.
The train pulled into the next station.It jolted but Nomi payed little attention.(Apparently darts only have an accelerator and a break and that's why they jolt,who knew?).Nomi continued to sit and ponder life.She felt a tap on her shoulder.She pulled out her headphones and turned around.'Hey Nomi' she heard a young voice call.It was the same girl,dart boy's sister.'Oh,hey!' Nomi replied.She immediately felt very self-conscious and avoided eye contact.They chatted for a while(approximately 10 seconds)before the young girl introduced another person to the conversation.'This is my mum!!'the young girl explained to Nomi.Stood beside the young girl was a tall,slim woman.She had silvery grey hair and she was dressed very glamorously for a Sunday afternoon.Nomi jumped to her feet and reached to shake the woman's hand.She began to instantly regret the outfit choice.The two sat down opposite Nomi and began to chat.It felt a bit like an interview.The woman seemed to know a lot about Nomi and she was insistent that they would meet again.She talked about her son,lovingly but it was clear she had high expectations of him too.The young girl explained that she had got into the college course she wanted and this made Nomi happy.Nomi left the train and said her goodbyes.She dreaded what they would say about her after she left.She feared their disapproval.
About a month later(last week to be exact)Nomi was sitting on the dart.She sat in her usual seat in her usual carriage.If you didn't guess already,Nomi doesn't like change.It was a busy dart.Lots of business people were on their way to work and school kids on their way to school.Nomi was on her way to help with freshers week in college.The carriage was packed and Nomi payed little attention to the people that surrounded her.She sat there listening to her music.After about half an hour she noticed an older man sit down diagonally across from her.He smiled and she smiled back.She had never seen him before but she didn't want to be rude,everyone hates a rude commuter!After about 5 minutes the older man leaned over and tapped Nomi on the arm.She was looking out the window at this stage so was quite alarmed.She jumped and turned around towards him,unplugging her earphones as she turned.She looked at the man,startled.'Sorry love but are you Nomi?'the man asked in a thick accent.Nomi pondered before answering,she knew she was Nomi but who was this?Tom's family seemed to have a way of popping up on darts and the only people left to meet were his dad,his granny and his cat.This man was clearly neither of the latter!'You're not Tom's dad are you?"she replied,quite a daring response for Nomi.'Ye,my name's Tom too!!'He smiled.'I knew it had to be you,you fit Tom's description perfectly!'he continued.Nomi began to worry about what Tom's description of her had been and how many people he had told.Too many of these surprise encounters and Nomi would have to sit somewhere else on the train!
The man(also Tom) continued to chat.He filled Nomi in on her life and her studies,things she knew but she let him have his time.He looked nothing like Dart Boy.He was an older man and he looked weathered.He had a kind smile and he moved his hands around as he spoke.He wore a navy rain jacket that didn't close over his blue and white striped shirt and blue patterned tie.He looked nothing like his son.He asked Nomi questions and regurgitated things Tom had said about her(word for word some of them).Nomi smiled and answered everything.He then asked where she was going and she explained that she was helping at the Christian Union stand in Trinity for the morning.'Ah yeah,Tom said you were in to that religious stuff!Don't know about it myself now but they seem like nice people'he replied.Nomi was pleased that he had a pleasant opinion.Mr.Dart Boy left the train,waving frantically.He could talk all day it seemed and even as he was leaving he continued to chat.He left the train and waved in the window as it drove past.Nomi waved and smiled and was almost relieved when he left.The interrogation was over,she could listen to her music again.
I will update you on the next chapter of the story as soon as it unfolds!
Wednesday 26 September 2012
Saturday 19 May 2012
10-12
So,havn't written on this in a while.Nothing particularly exciting or embarassing has really happened over the last few weeks as I have been doing exams.
Yesterday was my first day shopping in months.Some of my friends and I braved the crowds in Dundrum.Gun hoe we arrived,eager to throw money at anything we could find.(My friends are the-d4-but-not-actually-from-d4 type and when I say I was throwing money I had 30euro).
Anyway,we wandered 'round the shops.Dundrum is huge but you have to be selective about where you go.Hollister is a deathtrap and I wish somebody would tell them to switch the lights on and it'd be cheaper to take a trip to the rainforest than shop in Monsoon.We had picked out where we would go,classy as we may be we avoided the above shops.We walked around the usual,River Island,Awear,Bershka.I have to admit the Dundrum novelty has kinda worn off.I thought I'd never say that but I found myself...almost...bored!!I picked up a few things to try on and then reminded myself of the hard work that had earned me that 30euro.After little contemplation I decided I would prefer a heavy pocket than an orange t-shirt I would never wear.
We stopped for lunch(admittedly I was a bit cranky at this stage).I'm a happy shopper but only for the first half an hour.We sat and chatted and annoyed the waiter and it became clear to me that I have a lot of growing up to do.(I do realise this is becoming a bit like an afternoon tv show,I'm explaining my monotonous life.Don't worry I'm just setting the scene).
Following that we headed to Penney's.Penney's is interesting.It's so hit and miss.Personally,I don't really buy much in there because as soon as you do you begin to notice that everyone else has the same thing(of course,not in Trinity,gosh no,far too hipster for that!!)It's annoying though so I try to avoid it.We walked in anyway.We all went our separate ways.Before long I was lost and my friends were nowhere to be seen.The thing about these places is that they try to appear very 'up-to-date' and 'hi-tec'.Reality is, however, that they never have any phone signal.My friends and I cannot be seen above clothes rails and we are too cool for a designated meeting point should someone go missing.Alas,I was left wandering,like a child who has lost their Mum in a supermarket I panicked but I decided I must remain cool.(As cool as you can be when you're an awkward,red-faced,frizzy-haired worrier!)
I picked up the closest dress I could find.I knew it wouldn't fit and my Mother always warned me about horizontal stripes.I grabbed it all the same and pegged it to the changing rooms.They had to be in there!!
Penney's changing rooms are always dull and cramped.They have two separate sections with long corridor style passageways.I walked up and down calling my friends names.Nobody responded.I repeated them again and again and before long I was greeted by an inner city Dublin lady who reassured me "I don't think your friends are here,love"I thanked her for stating the obvious and made my way towards the exit.It was at that point that I realised that should my friends have been Deaf this situation would have been worse.
The floor was littered with hangers and bags and I was walking quickly.I did my best to avoid them but to no avail.Within a few minutes my left foot was captured by the strap of some young one's school bag.I fought hard with it,I tried to shake it off.I tried and I tried but before long I had hit the ground.That's not so bad surely?I know that's what you're thinking.
There I was on the floor but I was not alone.Lying beside me was the royal blue cubicle curtain I had grabbed on to for balance.That's bad enough!I was mortified and I slowly got up.I had heard a scream as I fell to the floor but I had remained silent.I had assumed that the scream was that of shock from the inner city lady but infact it was that of a middle-aged,half naked lady who's cubicle curtain had been ripped away from her.She looked at me in disgust,my face shone more red than usual.There was nothing I could do.I offered the woman my apologies and handed her the curtain for a cover.She was unimpressed but I couldn't blame her.
I swiftly exited the changing rooms dumping the stripy dress with the assistant as I passed.I was mortified but continued to play it cool.I walked quickly across the shop,I began to regret wearing my coat.I peered around every rail in search of my friends and became progressively warmer as I resided in the fact that they may have left without me.
I ran through the accessories section and to my huge relief I found them.I mentioned nothing in regards to changing rooms or curtains for fear the security man might hear me.I kept it to myself although I still feel guilty about it.About 20 mins from home and stuck in traffic I muttered that I startled a woman in the changing rooms but got little response or sympathy.At that I left it.
Totes Awky Mo Mo
Yesterday was my first day shopping in months.Some of my friends and I braved the crowds in Dundrum.Gun hoe we arrived,eager to throw money at anything we could find.(My friends are the-d4-but-not-actually-from-d4 type and when I say I was throwing money I had 30euro).
Anyway,we wandered 'round the shops.Dundrum is huge but you have to be selective about where you go.Hollister is a deathtrap and I wish somebody would tell them to switch the lights on and it'd be cheaper to take a trip to the rainforest than shop in Monsoon.We had picked out where we would go,classy as we may be we avoided the above shops.We walked around the usual,River Island,Awear,Bershka.I have to admit the Dundrum novelty has kinda worn off.I thought I'd never say that but I found myself...almost...bored!!I picked up a few things to try on and then reminded myself of the hard work that had earned me that 30euro.After little contemplation I decided I would prefer a heavy pocket than an orange t-shirt I would never wear.
We stopped for lunch(admittedly I was a bit cranky at this stage).I'm a happy shopper but only for the first half an hour.We sat and chatted and annoyed the waiter and it became clear to me that I have a lot of growing up to do.(I do realise this is becoming a bit like an afternoon tv show,I'm explaining my monotonous life.Don't worry I'm just setting the scene).
Following that we headed to Penney's.Penney's is interesting.It's so hit and miss.Personally,I don't really buy much in there because as soon as you do you begin to notice that everyone else has the same thing(of course,not in Trinity,gosh no,far too hipster for that!!)It's annoying though so I try to avoid it.We walked in anyway.We all went our separate ways.Before long I was lost and my friends were nowhere to be seen.The thing about these places is that they try to appear very 'up-to-date' and 'hi-tec'.Reality is, however, that they never have any phone signal.My friends and I cannot be seen above clothes rails and we are too cool for a designated meeting point should someone go missing.Alas,I was left wandering,like a child who has lost their Mum in a supermarket I panicked but I decided I must remain cool.(As cool as you can be when you're an awkward,red-faced,frizzy-haired worrier!)
I picked up the closest dress I could find.I knew it wouldn't fit and my Mother always warned me about horizontal stripes.I grabbed it all the same and pegged it to the changing rooms.They had to be in there!!
Penney's changing rooms are always dull and cramped.They have two separate sections with long corridor style passageways.I walked up and down calling my friends names.Nobody responded.I repeated them again and again and before long I was greeted by an inner city Dublin lady who reassured me "I don't think your friends are here,love"I thanked her for stating the obvious and made my way towards the exit.It was at that point that I realised that should my friends have been Deaf this situation would have been worse.
The floor was littered with hangers and bags and I was walking quickly.I did my best to avoid them but to no avail.Within a few minutes my left foot was captured by the strap of some young one's school bag.I fought hard with it,I tried to shake it off.I tried and I tried but before long I had hit the ground.That's not so bad surely?I know that's what you're thinking.
There I was on the floor but I was not alone.Lying beside me was the royal blue cubicle curtain I had grabbed on to for balance.That's bad enough!I was mortified and I slowly got up.I had heard a scream as I fell to the floor but I had remained silent.I had assumed that the scream was that of shock from the inner city lady but infact it was that of a middle-aged,half naked lady who's cubicle curtain had been ripped away from her.She looked at me in disgust,my face shone more red than usual.There was nothing I could do.I offered the woman my apologies and handed her the curtain for a cover.She was unimpressed but I couldn't blame her.
I swiftly exited the changing rooms dumping the stripy dress with the assistant as I passed.I was mortified but continued to play it cool.I walked quickly across the shop,I began to regret wearing my coat.I peered around every rail in search of my friends and became progressively warmer as I resided in the fact that they may have left without me.
I ran through the accessories section and to my huge relief I found them.I mentioned nothing in regards to changing rooms or curtains for fear the security man might hear me.I kept it to myself although I still feel guilty about it.About 20 mins from home and stuck in traffic I muttered that I startled a woman in the changing rooms but got little response or sympathy.At that I left it.
Totes Awky Mo Mo
Sunday 15 April 2012
Smile ??
So I told you about the dart guy,his name is Tom.(If you don't know about this read the post before this!No matter what I do it won't let me change the order).I already
described,in depth his amazingness and sang his praises.He got off the
dart that night and I thought I would never see him again.What are the
chances, right??I didn't even know his name at that stage.
In the last few weeks we have had numerous conversations on the dart and we've even hung out.He's visited me in college and I've visited him in work.I won't bore you with the details and as it happens he is moving away to America...totes awky mo mo.We discussed the possibility of him potentially staying and the two of us eloping in a few years but it seems the man can not be stopped! :( (We didn't really talk like that but we decided we can't be together).You may be thinking that's an awful ending to the story however,sad as this is there's something happy that follows....
A few days ago I decided I'd see how the scar on my knee was healing up.It was really deeply cut so it's still a bit sore.I looked at it,it's healing well but the ironic thing is....it's a smiley face!!!One of the eyes looks like it's winking a bit too!!How crazy is that?!
So,he may be moving away to America and it's not decided how long for yet.He may come back sometime into the future and we both might look very different but I will have that scar forever.I'll always be reminded of Tom,the nice young man from the dart and he'll know it's me!!
In the last few weeks we have had numerous conversations on the dart and we've even hung out.He's visited me in college and I've visited him in work.I won't bore you with the details and as it happens he is moving away to America...totes awky mo mo.We discussed the possibility of him potentially staying and the two of us eloping in a few years but it seems the man can not be stopped! :( (We didn't really talk like that but we decided we can't be together).You may be thinking that's an awful ending to the story however,sad as this is there's something happy that follows....
A few days ago I decided I'd see how the scar on my knee was healing up.It was really deeply cut so it's still a bit sore.I looked at it,it's healing well but the ironic thing is....it's a smiley face!!!One of the eyes looks like it's winking a bit too!!How crazy is that?!
So,he may be moving away to America and it's not decided how long for yet.He may come back sometime into the future and we both might look very different but I will have that scar forever.I'll always be reminded of Tom,the nice young man from the dart and he'll know it's me!!
Can I have your t-shirt?!
So a couple of weeks ago I was running to catch the dart(I told you it would feature a lot).Anyone who knows dart stations will know that Tara street is one of the most horrible ones.There are a set of steep escalators to the southbound platform.They are not designed for running...neither am I but I had two minutes to catch the train and if I missed it I would have to wait 40 mins in the cold.I decided I would brave it and run.I ran as quickly as I could,my bag rattled on my back and I began to regret carrying my laptop and books in with me that day.Nobody else seemed to feel a sense of urgency but I continued to run,clambering up the steps.About three quarters of the way up I fell down with a thud.Mortified, I got back up quickly,ignoring the pounding in my knee.I let the escalator do the rest of the moving and hobbled onto the train.
I thumped my bag down beside me and held my leg out for inspection.As I looked down my jaw dropped.My once navy tights were covered in blood.I searched my pockets for tissue but to no avail.My knee continued to drip.The pain was so bad I began to sob.I sat there feeling sorry for myself,there was nothing I could do.I looked around the carriage,there were few people.I had chosen to sit in the isolated booth with two sets of seats(people usually sit there if they want to drink).An older man sat across from me so I asked him for a tissue."I don't have one"he grunted.I smiled and went back to my original position,disgruntled at society.
I sat there for what felt like an eternity.Watching the door.Checking my pockets.Looking for split ends.The older man left and a new younger one arrived.My knee throbbed and I continued to feel sorry for myself.The young man sitting across from me glanced over occasionaly.His sandy hair fell over his eyes and he flicked it back with his fingers.His green hoody looked tired and washed out and his jeans moulded nicely to his legs.His shoes were warn out and his hands looked artistic.They were rough but from art not hard work.His skin was sallow and brown stubble peeped through it around his chin.His eyes were deep brown,the type you could get lost looking into.He was carrying a rucksack and he tapped his foot to the beat of his music.He looked like the type of person I would like to be friends with....in my dreams maybe.I knew I looked a state but I asked him for a tissue.
"Oh no,I'm really sorry,I don't'he replied as he rummaged through his pockets."Normally I would,sorry"he continued.I could hear sincerity in his voice,kindness in his smooth accent.His words were slow and gentle and they flowed like music.His voice matched his appearance.The type of voice I could get used to listening to.
I told him that was okay and I left him to his tunes.Within minutes I saw him glancing,flicking his hair.I tried to ignore it,looked out the window,looked for more split ends.Checked my knee,maybe it had suddenly got better.It continued to throb,I began to sniffle.He wouldn't hear me through his music surely.
I saw him glance over again."Are you okay?"He called as he walked towards me.He sat down beside me and began to rub my arm.(Being my awkward self I edged away,I pushed my back up again the window).I looked at him through teary eyes.He could tell by looking at me I wasn't.I explained what happened and showed him my knee.As I did the tears began streaming.He glanced at my knee and he moved to the seat opposite me.He inspected it,I could see the concentration in his face.His sandy hair swept over it and he flicked it as he came back up to look at me.He asked me did I have anything to wipe it with and I said no(if I did I wouldn't have asked for a tissue!He may have looked nice but he wasn't good at common sense!).He stopped for a minute,as if he was thinking and then frantically began to undress(don't panic!I'm a good,Christian girl remember!!)I watched in confusion,stared more like.There he was sitting opposite me,topless with his t-shirt in his hand.'Take this"he said.I didn't even think and took it.I couldn't help but stare at the half-naked man across from me.His body was so perfectly formed,his skin smooth.He had one pronounced freckle on his shoulder(is it weird that I remember this?!)I looked at him in dismay,'are yyyyou sssure?'I spluttered,it was hard to form sentences I was so taken a back.This was such an awkward moment,I didn't know what to do.I looked at the t-shirt,it was white and Hollister and I was about to stain it with my blood.I hardly knew the guy!!I took it anyway and held it on my leg while he continued the conversation,his soft voice was soothing.He was so calm.He asked me where I was going and I told him,he offered to stay with me 'til I got home.I so badly wanted him too but I told him it was fine.I reluctantly handed him back the t-shirt,covered in blood.I apologised for my awkwardness and he smiled.He rubbed my arm and whispered,'take care'.I didn't want him to leave but I let him.He waved as the train passed and dissapeared into the distance.
I thumped my bag down beside me and held my leg out for inspection.As I looked down my jaw dropped.My once navy tights were covered in blood.I searched my pockets for tissue but to no avail.My knee continued to drip.The pain was so bad I began to sob.I sat there feeling sorry for myself,there was nothing I could do.I looked around the carriage,there were few people.I had chosen to sit in the isolated booth with two sets of seats(people usually sit there if they want to drink).An older man sat across from me so I asked him for a tissue."I don't have one"he grunted.I smiled and went back to my original position,disgruntled at society.
I sat there for what felt like an eternity.Watching the door.Checking my pockets.Looking for split ends.The older man left and a new younger one arrived.My knee throbbed and I continued to feel sorry for myself.The young man sitting across from me glanced over occasionaly.His sandy hair fell over his eyes and he flicked it back with his fingers.His green hoody looked tired and washed out and his jeans moulded nicely to his legs.His shoes were warn out and his hands looked artistic.They were rough but from art not hard work.His skin was sallow and brown stubble peeped through it around his chin.His eyes were deep brown,the type you could get lost looking into.He was carrying a rucksack and he tapped his foot to the beat of his music.He looked like the type of person I would like to be friends with....in my dreams maybe.I knew I looked a state but I asked him for a tissue.
"Oh no,I'm really sorry,I don't'he replied as he rummaged through his pockets."Normally I would,sorry"he continued.I could hear sincerity in his voice,kindness in his smooth accent.His words were slow and gentle and they flowed like music.His voice matched his appearance.The type of voice I could get used to listening to.
I told him that was okay and I left him to his tunes.Within minutes I saw him glancing,flicking his hair.I tried to ignore it,looked out the window,looked for more split ends.Checked my knee,maybe it had suddenly got better.It continued to throb,I began to sniffle.He wouldn't hear me through his music surely.
I saw him glance over again."Are you okay?"He called as he walked towards me.He sat down beside me and began to rub my arm.(Being my awkward self I edged away,I pushed my back up again the window).I looked at him through teary eyes.He could tell by looking at me I wasn't.I explained what happened and showed him my knee.As I did the tears began streaming.He glanced at my knee and he moved to the seat opposite me.He inspected it,I could see the concentration in his face.His sandy hair swept over it and he flicked it as he came back up to look at me.He asked me did I have anything to wipe it with and I said no(if I did I wouldn't have asked for a tissue!He may have looked nice but he wasn't good at common sense!).He stopped for a minute,as if he was thinking and then frantically began to undress(don't panic!I'm a good,Christian girl remember!!)I watched in confusion,stared more like.There he was sitting opposite me,topless with his t-shirt in his hand.'Take this"he said.I didn't even think and took it.I couldn't help but stare at the half-naked man across from me.His body was so perfectly formed,his skin smooth.He had one pronounced freckle on his shoulder(is it weird that I remember this?!)I looked at him in dismay,'are yyyyou sssure?'I spluttered,it was hard to form sentences I was so taken a back.This was such an awkward moment,I didn't know what to do.I looked at the t-shirt,it was white and Hollister and I was about to stain it with my blood.I hardly knew the guy!!I took it anyway and held it on my leg while he continued the conversation,his soft voice was soothing.He was so calm.He asked me where I was going and I told him,he offered to stay with me 'til I got home.I so badly wanted him too but I told him it was fine.I reluctantly handed him back the t-shirt,covered in blood.I apologised for my awkwardness and he smiled.He rubbed my arm and whispered,'take care'.I didn't want him to leave but I let him.He waved as the train passed and dissapeared into the distance.
Monday 9 April 2012
Bananarama
Recently my class went on a trip bowling.It was a cold friday evening and we all departed our separate ways.Country living has it's advantages and it's downfalls.Advantage is that I get to wake up and see the mountains everyday and I can escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.Downfall is that buses home are very irregular and I always have to get them by myself.
Anyway,that evening I waited for the bus.When I was a kid, bowling was a casual thing.Trackies and hoody kinda job.I had been told otherwise however.Friday night bowling was a more 'formal' affair.So I waited at the bus stop,short dress and no jacket.I shivered so much that the older men beside me offered me their coats.I politely declined the offer,cold as I was I do my best not to converse with strangers on cold,dark nights.I waited there.It must have been half an hour(the buses I get home don't have electronic signs that tell you when they're coming).My legs were like jelly at this stage but eventually the bus arrived!
I casually hopped on,swiping my ticket as I passed the machine.The bus was quiet,I could see only two other people.I ambled down the aisle,didn't want to risk falling up the stairs.The bus was shaky,if I had been a driving instructor I would have questioned the clutch control.As I got closer to the back of the bus I noticed a banana skin on the ground.For those of you who don't know,I HATE banana's more than anything....even more than custard creams.In a normal situation I would have avoided it,walked around it or pretended not to see it.Not this evening!I decided I would be a good citizen,save somebody else from slipping.We've all been there!I kneeled down slowly and reached my arm out.My handbag was so full it pulled me closer to the floor.Got it!Mission complete!!I rose from the floor,banana skin in hand.I tried to fool myself,tell myself it wasn't really a banana skin.I continued to stand up and the bus began to jolt.I could feel myself losing my balance.There was nowhere to fall.I looked directly across from me.Sat there was a young man,oblivious to my existence.His music pumped through his headphones.He sat upright and barely moved except for breathing.His eyes were focused straight ahead.He hadn't noticed me get on.
That soon changed.The bus continued to jolt.I could see red lights shining in the darkness of the road.I could feel my legs begining to cave beneath me.Within seconds I was sprawled out across his lap.I felt his body jump.I still had the banana skin in my hand but it was resting on his bag.He said nothing and I was too scared to look up.I could hear his music through his headphones.Two door cinema club resounded,something good can work?In this situation I really doubted it.I had to pull myself together.Act cool.
I stood up,pulled down my skirt,flipped my fringe back into place,nodded and continued to the back of the bus.I sat down with a thud and planted the banana skin on the seat beside me.I watched as the young man left,he turned and gave me a nod.A nod of sympathy I think.No doubt he was concerned for my welfare,I could fall into anyone's lap and they might not be so forgiving.I soon got off the bus and thanked the bus driver who passed no remark.It was from that day on that I decided my previous judgement on both bananas and buses had been right.They are best avoided.
Anyway,that evening I waited for the bus.When I was a kid, bowling was a casual thing.Trackies and hoody kinda job.I had been told otherwise however.Friday night bowling was a more 'formal' affair.So I waited at the bus stop,short dress and no jacket.I shivered so much that the older men beside me offered me their coats.I politely declined the offer,cold as I was I do my best not to converse with strangers on cold,dark nights.I waited there.It must have been half an hour(the buses I get home don't have electronic signs that tell you when they're coming).My legs were like jelly at this stage but eventually the bus arrived!
I casually hopped on,swiping my ticket as I passed the machine.The bus was quiet,I could see only two other people.I ambled down the aisle,didn't want to risk falling up the stairs.The bus was shaky,if I had been a driving instructor I would have questioned the clutch control.As I got closer to the back of the bus I noticed a banana skin on the ground.For those of you who don't know,I HATE banana's more than anything....even more than custard creams.In a normal situation I would have avoided it,walked around it or pretended not to see it.Not this evening!I decided I would be a good citizen,save somebody else from slipping.We've all been there!I kneeled down slowly and reached my arm out.My handbag was so full it pulled me closer to the floor.Got it!Mission complete!!I rose from the floor,banana skin in hand.I tried to fool myself,tell myself it wasn't really a banana skin.I continued to stand up and the bus began to jolt.I could feel myself losing my balance.There was nowhere to fall.I looked directly across from me.Sat there was a young man,oblivious to my existence.His music pumped through his headphones.He sat upright and barely moved except for breathing.His eyes were focused straight ahead.He hadn't noticed me get on.
That soon changed.The bus continued to jolt.I could see red lights shining in the darkness of the road.I could feel my legs begining to cave beneath me.Within seconds I was sprawled out across his lap.I felt his body jump.I still had the banana skin in my hand but it was resting on his bag.He said nothing and I was too scared to look up.I could hear his music through his headphones.Two door cinema club resounded,something good can work?In this situation I really doubted it.I had to pull myself together.Act cool.
I stood up,pulled down my skirt,flipped my fringe back into place,nodded and continued to the back of the bus.I sat down with a thud and planted the banana skin on the seat beside me.I watched as the young man left,he turned and gave me a nod.A nod of sympathy I think.No doubt he was concerned for my welfare,I could fall into anyone's lap and they might not be so forgiving.I soon got off the bus and thanked the bus driver who passed no remark.It was from that day on that I decided my previous judgement on both bananas and buses had been right.They are best avoided.
Sunday 8 April 2012
Like my shoes ?!
So I get the dart a lot.At least twice a day.(For those of you who don't know the dart is a train serving the Dublin area,often pronounced doirt)Anybody who gets it from the southside on a regular basis will nod in agreement with me when I say it is is filled with interesting characters.It's not the creepy old men that worry me or even the drunk ones on the way home,it's the people that seem normal that you have to watch out for.Every morning I encounter business women who pick their noses,college students who 'flick what they've picked' and one particular young man who bops his head aggressively to his 'rocker' beats.Needless to say,I'm not one to judge,we've all had those days,right?!
The Metro herald is a wonderful,free publication.A favourite of public transport commuters,an essential!It is riddled with spelling and grammar mistakes(again I'm not one to judge)and bursting with useless information about various topics around the world.Commuters read this paper from cover to cover on their way to work school or college,taking note of the letters page where misquoted students regularly feature along with other commuters lodging their complaints or appreciations about the Irish transport service.A gem some would say!
At the start of every Metro(herald) there is the date and a list of birthdays on said day.This comes in handy when you want to impress fellow college chums or that handsome young man sitting opposite you,it's a good conversation starter,who wouldn't respond to 'hey,did you know it's Lady Gaga's birthday today?!'Anyway,last January I was enjoying my daily Metro fix.I payed particular attention to the birthday's page,always good to know that your father and Dolly Parton share the same one!I was particularly sleepy on this day and quickly grew tired of the news of the celeb world and even the letters page was unexciting.I placed my metro on the floor beside my seat and diverted my attention to the wise lyrics of owl city.I pumped up the volume and closed my eyes.With every stop I would jolt forward and through squinted eyes I noticed the booth begin to fill up.Within 5 stops all of the seats were taken.I looked around the booth.A business man to my right,headphones in and asleep.Directly opposite me was a middle aged woman,very high-tec with her kindle (these dart people are too good for regular books!!).Diagonally across from me was a guy about my age,hood up,trademark white cables hanging down from his hoody and bent double reading the newspaper.The carriage was busy with school kids yapping and business people exchanging office gossip.People came and went from the train brushing against my shoulder as they walked.I payed little notice,this is a regular for me.After some time it occurred to me that I should perhaps keep the Metro from that day(I have a habit of giving people the Metro from their birthday,usually I give it to people who appreciate it much less than I do).I had placed it beside me,couldn't have gone far.
I reached down to my left.Remaining cool I scrambled around for it with my hand.It seemed that during the rush my beloved Metro had been dragged further down the carriage.No Problem!I thought surely it was within arms reach.
Anyone who knows me will know that I am not the most graceful at times.I do try very hard but sometimes my efforts fail.There I was sitting in my usual attire,dress,tights,jacket,headphones in.I reached backwards,I stretched my arm out,at this stage I was relying on my hand to do the finding but to no avail.It was time for my eyes to do some work.I turned my head around,there it was!I reached further back but began to wobble.I stretched my right leg out in front of me.I was getting closer.I lifted my leg slightly higher.Lets remember that short dresses with stretched legs leave little to the imagination but you don't think of this at such crucial times.I had a mission to complete.I continued to reach,lifting my leg higher.Suddenly I felt an unfamiliar surface on the top of my shoe followed by an 'oww!!!'The double over young man had met my shoe,or my shoe had met his nose whichever way you like to put it.In shock I returned to original position frantically pulling my dress over my knees."I'M SO SORRY!!"I blurted through my own music."It's fine",he replied abruptly.The kindle lady looked disappointed and gave me a sympathetic nod.In my mortified state I abandoned my mission.Surely he would get off in a few stops.
The train approached my stop,all the while thoughts clouded my mind.What if I had broken his nose?What is he sued me?These were all unrealistic thoughts but so was attempting to reach that metro from my seat.Previously I had thought it was unrealistic to think that my TY self-defence could be put into practise.
Mortified I arose from my seat at my station,nodding to the kindle lady.I didn't acknowledge my victim but awkwardly shuffled down the carriage and rummaged in my pocket looking for my ticket.I breathed a sign of relief as I walked through the barrier.Nobody had seen my mishap and I would never see the man again...until I met him walking the same route as me to college.
You see it's the normal looking people you have to be most cautious of.You must remain in an upright position.Hold onto your metro like it's a pair of size 5 shoes in penneys and don't let it hit that floor until you're certain it's of no use to you.I've seen that guy since and we never exchange smiles...totes awkie mo mo!
The Metro herald is a wonderful,free publication.A favourite of public transport commuters,an essential!It is riddled with spelling and grammar mistakes(again I'm not one to judge)and bursting with useless information about various topics around the world.Commuters read this paper from cover to cover on their way to work school or college,taking note of the letters page where misquoted students regularly feature along with other commuters lodging their complaints or appreciations about the Irish transport service.A gem some would say!
At the start of every Metro(herald) there is the date and a list of birthdays on said day.This comes in handy when you want to impress fellow college chums or that handsome young man sitting opposite you,it's a good conversation starter,who wouldn't respond to 'hey,did you know it's Lady Gaga's birthday today?!'Anyway,last January I was enjoying my daily Metro fix.I payed particular attention to the birthday's page,always good to know that your father and Dolly Parton share the same one!I was particularly sleepy on this day and quickly grew tired of the news of the celeb world and even the letters page was unexciting.I placed my metro on the floor beside my seat and diverted my attention to the wise lyrics of owl city.I pumped up the volume and closed my eyes.With every stop I would jolt forward and through squinted eyes I noticed the booth begin to fill up.Within 5 stops all of the seats were taken.I looked around the booth.A business man to my right,headphones in and asleep.Directly opposite me was a middle aged woman,very high-tec with her kindle (these dart people are too good for regular books!!).Diagonally across from me was a guy about my age,hood up,trademark white cables hanging down from his hoody and bent double reading the newspaper.The carriage was busy with school kids yapping and business people exchanging office gossip.People came and went from the train brushing against my shoulder as they walked.I payed little notice,this is a regular for me.After some time it occurred to me that I should perhaps keep the Metro from that day(I have a habit of giving people the Metro from their birthday,usually I give it to people who appreciate it much less than I do).I had placed it beside me,couldn't have gone far.
I reached down to my left.Remaining cool I scrambled around for it with my hand.It seemed that during the rush my beloved Metro had been dragged further down the carriage.No Problem!I thought surely it was within arms reach.
Anyone who knows me will know that I am not the most graceful at times.I do try very hard but sometimes my efforts fail.There I was sitting in my usual attire,dress,tights,jacket,headphones in.I reached backwards,I stretched my arm out,at this stage I was relying on my hand to do the finding but to no avail.It was time for my eyes to do some work.I turned my head around,there it was!I reached further back but began to wobble.I stretched my right leg out in front of me.I was getting closer.I lifted my leg slightly higher.Lets remember that short dresses with stretched legs leave little to the imagination but you don't think of this at such crucial times.I had a mission to complete.I continued to reach,lifting my leg higher.Suddenly I felt an unfamiliar surface on the top of my shoe followed by an 'oww!!!'The double over young man had met my shoe,or my shoe had met his nose whichever way you like to put it.In shock I returned to original position frantically pulling my dress over my knees."I'M SO SORRY!!"I blurted through my own music."It's fine",he replied abruptly.The kindle lady looked disappointed and gave me a sympathetic nod.In my mortified state I abandoned my mission.Surely he would get off in a few stops.
The train approached my stop,all the while thoughts clouded my mind.What if I had broken his nose?What is he sued me?These were all unrealistic thoughts but so was attempting to reach that metro from my seat.Previously I had thought it was unrealistic to think that my TY self-defence could be put into practise.
Mortified I arose from my seat at my station,nodding to the kindle lady.I didn't acknowledge my victim but awkwardly shuffled down the carriage and rummaged in my pocket looking for my ticket.I breathed a sign of relief as I walked through the barrier.Nobody had seen my mishap and I would never see the man again...until I met him walking the same route as me to college.
You see it's the normal looking people you have to be most cautious of.You must remain in an upright position.Hold onto your metro like it's a pair of size 5 shoes in penneys and don't let it hit that floor until you're certain it's of no use to you.I've seen that guy since and we never exchange smiles...totes awkie mo mo!
Saturday 7 April 2012
A wee present...
I probably should have written these in Chronological order,anyway.Let's go back a few years to when I was a baby.Obviously I don't remember this but I have been told about it many times.
So when I was approximately 3 months old I was brought to a church gathering in Wicklow.(I said already my parents are Christians so Churches,camps and beach missions were a huge part of my life growing up).Anyway,when I was growing up my church was linked with another church about half an hour away.My family went down to visit the congregation, showing off their new baby.I must've been younger than 3 months...maybe only a few weeks old.They were walking around anyway,proud as punch,introducing me to all the different people.
One older woman asked if she could hold me.My parents smiled and apprehensively handed me over and watched as the woman cuddled me and told me how cute I was( they continued to watch,you can never be too careful with presbyterians :P).The woman took good care of me,explained that she had a grandson the same age and that perhaps we would be in school together.My parents smiled and nodded,paying little attention,looking lovingly at their first child.Time passed and the small talk continued...the woman looked startled and quickly handed me back to my parents.They were shocked,why would anybody want rid of their bundle of joy?!Despite their shock they took me back with open arms only to acquire the same startled look.It would appear that I had experienced a 'nappy malfunction' the poor woman's dress was soaked and soon my dad's shirt was the same.My parents apologised and made a brisk escape.Totes awky mo mo for them more than me.I hadn't noticed.I slept blissfully in the car home while my parents cringed at the trouble I had brought upon them.
There was little mention of this event until it neared time for secondary school.I learned that the lady's grandson would be in school with me.The first day arrived and I discovered he was in my form.As a timid twelve year old I avoided him like the plague.His sporty,'cool' image didn't match mine as a spotty,frizzy haired teenager.I was embarassed he might have known about the 'incident'.He payed no attention to me so it was all good.After I had built up my confidence a bit I began to put my trust in people far too quickly.Soon I was admitting the incident to a group of girls in an awkward attempt to make friends and before I knew it he was avoiding me at all costs.I tied two and two together and assumed they had relayed the message on to him.
The years of assigned seats in maths class killed me.We would never speak except for the occassional grunt of 'gis a pen!'.No please,no thankyou,no how was your weekend?!I hate to think I have offended people so I tried to make ammends.I decided one day I would apologise.I practiced what I would say,I caught him on his way out of the boys bathroom(the smell in itself took bravery to endure).I muttered something incomprehensible to which he responded "whaaa??" I took a deep breath and a gulp.I paused for a moment.'I'M SORRY FOR PEEING ON YOUR GRANNY!!!' I spluttered.The response was the same,'Whaaa?!?"I discovered he knew nothing until that moment,any chance of a friendship had been destroyed.He looked at me through squinty eyes and continued walking past.My face shone a beetroot red.
I continued through school,sat through many awkward maths classes and finished school with very few pens.I can see why he didn't want to be friends.I didn't really help myself.Two years out of school nearly and I decided I would add him on fb,surely no hard feelings now...or so you would think.Three declined friend requests later I'm still embrassed by that fateful day.
So when I was approximately 3 months old I was brought to a church gathering in Wicklow.(I said already my parents are Christians so Churches,camps and beach missions were a huge part of my life growing up).Anyway,when I was growing up my church was linked with another church about half an hour away.My family went down to visit the congregation, showing off their new baby.I must've been younger than 3 months...maybe only a few weeks old.They were walking around anyway,proud as punch,introducing me to all the different people.
One older woman asked if she could hold me.My parents smiled and apprehensively handed me over and watched as the woman cuddled me and told me how cute I was( they continued to watch,you can never be too careful with presbyterians :P).The woman took good care of me,explained that she had a grandson the same age and that perhaps we would be in school together.My parents smiled and nodded,paying little attention,looking lovingly at their first child.Time passed and the small talk continued...the woman looked startled and quickly handed me back to my parents.They were shocked,why would anybody want rid of their bundle of joy?!Despite their shock they took me back with open arms only to acquire the same startled look.It would appear that I had experienced a 'nappy malfunction' the poor woman's dress was soaked and soon my dad's shirt was the same.My parents apologised and made a brisk escape.Totes awky mo mo for them more than me.I hadn't noticed.I slept blissfully in the car home while my parents cringed at the trouble I had brought upon them.
There was little mention of this event until it neared time for secondary school.I learned that the lady's grandson would be in school with me.The first day arrived and I discovered he was in my form.As a timid twelve year old I avoided him like the plague.His sporty,'cool' image didn't match mine as a spotty,frizzy haired teenager.I was embarassed he might have known about the 'incident'.He payed no attention to me so it was all good.After I had built up my confidence a bit I began to put my trust in people far too quickly.Soon I was admitting the incident to a group of girls in an awkward attempt to make friends and before I knew it he was avoiding me at all costs.I tied two and two together and assumed they had relayed the message on to him.
The years of assigned seats in maths class killed me.We would never speak except for the occassional grunt of 'gis a pen!'.No please,no thankyou,no how was your weekend?!I hate to think I have offended people so I tried to make ammends.I decided one day I would apologise.I practiced what I would say,I caught him on his way out of the boys bathroom(the smell in itself took bravery to endure).I muttered something incomprehensible to which he responded "whaaa??" I took a deep breath and a gulp.I paused for a moment.'I'M SORRY FOR PEEING ON YOUR GRANNY!!!' I spluttered.The response was the same,'Whaaa?!?"I discovered he knew nothing until that moment,any chance of a friendship had been destroyed.He looked at me through squinty eyes and continued walking past.My face shone a beetroot red.
I continued through school,sat through many awkward maths classes and finished school with very few pens.I can see why he didn't want to be friends.I didn't really help myself.Two years out of school nearly and I decided I would add him on fb,surely no hard feelings now...or so you would think.Three declined friend requests later I'm still embrassed by that fateful day.
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