New Resolutions

Okay. I've now been in Ireland for exactly one month, and it's time for a change. As of last night, I resolved not to buy drinks at bars anymore. Drinking will be done sparingly, if at all, unless it's a special occasion. And no, nothing particularly special happened last night to influence this decision, unless you count reading my bank statement and dying a little inside.

The job is finally (mostly) error-free, though it's unsatisfying and most of the time fairly boring. The time passes very slowly, and I have zero time off, and it's difficult to make friends. I find myself hoping they'll fire me, though I have no idea why they would or what I'd do if they did. Actually, that's not true... I'd go to Dublin and stay there for a while and play some Ultimate. And since I've never been fired before, my exit would have to be dramatic and explosive.

I went to the Roisin Dubh to see a band called No Banjo. It's the second time I've seen a band play there- the first was the Ben Taylor Band and they were so relaxed and funny. They had this one song where this guy loves this girl, but he hears her boyfriend's "a really nice guy". He's so tortured over how much he loves this girl. And then he hangs out with her boyfriend and he seems really cool. And it doesn't hurt anymore, because her boyfriend's "a really cute guy". Anyway, last night embodied everything I like best about the Irish pub atmosphere. Everyone was clearly enjoying the band, but those who were seated could see and those who were standing could dance without bumping into each other. It was very chill and the lead singer was dressed like Charlie Chaplin in his early days. Unfortunately, it was also Dena's last night in Galway. I stayed up till sunrise talking online, so I slept through her departure, but she left me a note. I'm going to miss her!

Another thing I've noticed while here is how fantastic the Irish are with children. I went to the farmer's market again the other day, and a little girl approached the cheese salesman and told him he had funny eyebrows, and the next thing you know they were chattering along like best friends. It was adorable- he instantly involved himself in her world and didn't judge, and he played along as if everything was very serious. I've seen this happen so many times in the square... adults playing football (soccer) with little kids they don't even know. The best part is that no one thinks it's suspicious or creepy.

Also, just a shoutout- Happy Birthday Janet!