Well its been too weekends since my last Search retreat. If you have ever read this blog before, which I doubt you have, you will know that Search means a great deal to me. I've mentioned it countless times, and frankly its probably one off the biggest parts off my Life.
The past weekend was great. I think the team worked so well together and I definitely know I bonded with some people. Anyway I decided not to write about the weekend until after our first catch up meeting as this is when you get a real sense off how well it went. By this stage all the hype has died down and you have a chance to sit back and reflect on it. I still think it was great. I've known it to happen before where you feel you have bonded but after the weekend you realise that you haven't bonded at all. I honestly don't feel that is the case this time.
More importantly, you judge how well the candidates enjoyed it, as this is the first time they can come along to weekly meeting. On Tuesday night. nearly all the candidate returned. They all seemed as interested as they did as the weekend came to an end. I wasn't expecting the turn out so obviously I was extatic. But in the end whats it all about...
The mission statement says "Search is a group of young people who enable other young people to explore, experience and share their faith in new ways". I feel it allows you to prioritise your life. It allows us to reflect on what is really important, and what we should put first in life. The main focus of this weekend is then God, however nothing is forced on you. I think this is why it works. We allow you to make your own mind up. I know if I had attended a weekend and it had been all bible and preaching, Id have never returned. The gentle approach allows one to accept God in his or her own time. As a friend once told me, even the Great Man of Galilee whispered.
However to me Search has brought so much more than just a realisation and an acceptance of God. I can honestly say any Holidays, Experiences or Events I have been attended have been as a direct result of Search. I'll tell my story now, its most likely of little interest to many, but I just wanna get it out.
Three years ago, on the 05th of November, 2005, My sister dragged me along to this weekend retreat, run by a group of Young people calling them selves Search. I literally didn't wanna go. I didn't want to sit and have the bible forced on me and be told I was wrong for not being "Christian", to their standards. However upon entering the doors I was met by a really friendly group off people, that seemed to genuinely love eachother. I loved the weekend. I realised it wasn't about being Christian to their standards... It was about being Christian, about accepting that God Loves Me; And So I Did. From here I have achieved so much. I met a group off great people, and though I may not keep them in my life forever I will always have great memories. If you read through my blogs, and find the ones about Friends, and days/night out with my friends you'll note I met most off these people through Search. Due to Search I had a friend in Germany I could rely on, to put me up when I needed a place to stay in Germany.
I have always had wonderlust, and my First holiday outside of Ireland came from being part off Search. I visited Medjugorje, in Bosnia Herzegovina. It was at the time one off the Best weeks of my life. I'll never forget how the Sun sparkled off the Diamond waters of the Adriatic Ocean as the bus rumbled along the Coastal Cliffs of Croatia, down into the green valleys of Bosnia. The following year I attended the Redemptrist European Youth Congress in Limerick. I met some amazing people, and I had a great time. This year I went to Lourde as part off the Clonard Youth Team. Again I met amazing people, and had a great time.
Although I never got the chance to visit the developing world, to do charity work, I got involved with Serve through Search. I was accepted to fly to Thailand as a worker. Although this never came to be, I have great memories, such as Flip Flop Friday. More Info here...
Although most off my first gigging band had met before Search I feel it was through the group we cemented our bonds at the time, strong enough to forge a band. Since then sadly the cement has cracked, and the bonds seem to have split. I picked up my Acoustic Guitar, after years of neglection due to Search.
I could go on and on and on... But I doubt you read all this so I'll leave it here
God Bless
Peace
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
Saturday, 8 November 2008
Ireland, Yes You Can
Last Sunday the Ministry of Defence, MOD, had organised a Parade through Belfast for the RIR returning from the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. My first point to bring here is that the MOD should have known better. This Parade was quite controversial in Ireland. The RIR have rose from the remnant of the UDR, much the way the PSNI where the remnant of the RUC. A rose by another name would smell so Sweet.
I did support the Republican view, that no British Army regiment should be paraded victoriously through our Non-British city. The Parade was a slap in the face off any Republican that has supported the unarmed advancement towards Peace. It was completely ignorant to the struggle and beliefs of 50% of this part of the Island. As a result I support the Republican demonstrations. However I was fairly disappointed with the only Legal demonstrations, as I felt it folded to way too many demands. It changed its route, its time and its final gathering point. To paraphrase the words of Eírígís Chairman, Brian Leeson, "Did Martin Luther ask Permission to march?". I'm very much against appeasement if it is to the detriment of ones beliefs. This Parade was merely to remind the People of the Occupied territory those they where just that... Occupied.
Brian Leeson however calmed my disappointment to the legal Republican march. He raises the point that we had a victory. The British Army paraded without music, without Arms and without RAF fly over as was planned. However I also had problems with the Protest Parades. Sinn Fein allowed the British Media to portray this Protest as a Republican, when this Parade should have been a Community wide protest for Peace, against the illegal wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
However this along with a previous post of mine about Amnesty International, has made me think. Many Humanitarian groups, Charities and Pressure groups along with the UN and the EU, have internationally recognised the Struggle in, Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan, DR Congo, Darfur and the list goes on. However Ireland do not have International recognition of their Struggle for Freedom.
I believe the Republican movement needs to Campaign for this International recognition. The EU rules state, or stated, that no Country that lays claim to another can become a member, and yet the British, who lay claim to Scotland, Wales and Ireland have been members since the beginning. The UN have not officially recognised the Struggle, and recognised British Crowned Forces as being an occupying force.
Amnesty International is holding the "Un-Subscribe Me" campaign against torture in Guantanamo Bay Prison. They are one of many Humanitarian groups with this stance, yet none spoke out when the Irish people where being tortured in British run Prisons in their own country. The video in my Amnesty International post is specifically to highlight the "Stress Position" for of torture, however this technique has been used time and time again in Ireland. The have not called for the British to be called up for War crimes in Ireland, yet they call for America to be trialled over Iraq.
The struggle for Irish Freedom seems relatively low on peoples interest lists theses days. Appeasement and striving to obtain Political correctness, has almost killed the struggle. It’s no longer okay to say "I'm an Irish Republican", because it may annoy. To be Republican is not something to shy away from, it is not a bad thing and it is only offensive to people who are too close minded to accept the political views off other people.
Just recently, as stated in my last blog, the American people elected Barack Obama. The American people voted for change, and despite the odds, a voice said "Yes You Can", and they did. Well my message to those who feel a United Irish Nation is no longer achievable I say this:
Yes You Can.
Can you achieve the Goal, off a free United Ireland, separate from any foreign Governing body? Yes You Can!
The Proclamation of Independence, as read on the steps of the GPO in 1916 and accepted by Dáil Éireann, already states that we are a free independent country when it says "We declare the right of the people of Ireland to the ownership of Ireland, and to the unfettered control of Irish destinies, to be sovereign and indefeasible".
Ireland don't give up on your Country. You can be Free... Yes You Can.
God Bless
Peace
I did support the Republican view, that no British Army regiment should be paraded victoriously through our Non-British city. The Parade was a slap in the face off any Republican that has supported the unarmed advancement towards Peace. It was completely ignorant to the struggle and beliefs of 50% of this part of the Island. As a result I support the Republican demonstrations. However I was fairly disappointed with the only Legal demonstrations, as I felt it folded to way too many demands. It changed its route, its time and its final gathering point. To paraphrase the words of Eírígís Chairman, Brian Leeson, "Did Martin Luther ask Permission to march?". I'm very much against appeasement if it is to the detriment of ones beliefs. This Parade was merely to remind the People of the Occupied territory those they where just that... Occupied.
Brian Leeson however calmed my disappointment to the legal Republican march. He raises the point that we had a victory. The British Army paraded without music, without Arms and without RAF fly over as was planned. However I also had problems with the Protest Parades. Sinn Fein allowed the British Media to portray this Protest as a Republican, when this Parade should have been a Community wide protest for Peace, against the illegal wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
However this along with a previous post of mine about Amnesty International, has made me think. Many Humanitarian groups, Charities and Pressure groups along with the UN and the EU, have internationally recognised the Struggle in, Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan, DR Congo, Darfur and the list goes on. However Ireland do not have International recognition of their Struggle for Freedom.
I believe the Republican movement needs to Campaign for this International recognition. The EU rules state, or stated, that no Country that lays claim to another can become a member, and yet the British, who lay claim to Scotland, Wales and Ireland have been members since the beginning. The UN have not officially recognised the Struggle, and recognised British Crowned Forces as being an occupying force.
Amnesty International is holding the "Un-Subscribe Me" campaign against torture in Guantanamo Bay Prison. They are one of many Humanitarian groups with this stance, yet none spoke out when the Irish people where being tortured in British run Prisons in their own country. The video in my Amnesty International post is specifically to highlight the "Stress Position" for of torture, however this technique has been used time and time again in Ireland. The have not called for the British to be called up for War crimes in Ireland, yet they call for America to be trialled over Iraq.
The struggle for Irish Freedom seems relatively low on peoples interest lists theses days. Appeasement and striving to obtain Political correctness, has almost killed the struggle. It’s no longer okay to say "I'm an Irish Republican", because it may annoy. To be Republican is not something to shy away from, it is not a bad thing and it is only offensive to people who are too close minded to accept the political views off other people.
Just recently, as stated in my last blog, the American people elected Barack Obama. The American people voted for change, and despite the odds, a voice said "Yes You Can", and they did. Well my message to those who feel a United Irish Nation is no longer achievable I say this:
Yes You Can.
Can you achieve the Goal, off a free United Ireland, separate from any foreign Governing body? Yes You Can!
The Proclamation of Independence, as read on the steps of the GPO in 1916 and accepted by Dáil Éireann, already states that we are a free independent country when it says "We declare the right of the people of Ireland to the ownership of Ireland, and to the unfettered control of Irish destinies, to be sovereign and indefeasible".
Ireland don't give up on your Country. You can be Free... Yes You Can.
God Bless
Peace
Wednesday, 5 November 2008
America, Yes You Can
Well, it seems I will be keeping my Political expectations to myself for now on. As with my prediction of the Lisbon Treaty, I was also incorrect about the results for the American Presidential Election.America Proved Me Wrong.
I really thought they would vote Republican. My faith in America has been restored recently anyway, but I still didn't feel the Population would elect a Black President. I Was Wrong. I woke up this morning to view History. A little of me wishes I was part off that History. I Love being Irish, but today it would appeal to me to be American, for the first time in many years.
JFK made the American population proud to be American. I believe that Obama has done the same thing for Americans today, after popular opinion hasn't been too friendly in recent years. The wars and the failing economy seem to have dampened America's view of itself. However this election has seemingly changed that.
This election has been slated as being "Historic", and I feel it has been, but maybe for different reasons than most. I've never seen an election in any country where, though I don't agree with everything both sides are saying, I do actually like both candidates. If I had to pick any Politician to be my Grandad, it would have been McCain. Both Candidates seemed to be genuinely nice people, which is a rare quality in Politics. The campaigns where not "dirty" to the level Politics usually gets too. The candidates seem to have a genuine respect for each other; Even in McCains closing speech, after accepting defeat, he defended Obama against a booing crowd.
I was backing Obama, purely because I'm slightly more Left Wing, and I feel he was too. I didn't completely agree with Obama however, and on some things I agreed with McCain.
I think the reason for Obama's win was 'cause he seemed to offer a way out of the past Eight years of failed Government. Although McCain was a Maverick, and no one can actually deny that, I feel he was to closely tied to Bush.
I think either candidate would have been good for America; Both Candidates would have brought Welcome Change. However more so with the Obama camp.
However tomorrow America will wake up, and George W. Bush will still be President; Their Husbands, wives, sons and daughters will still be in Iraq and Afghanistan and the Economy will still be close to Recession, and so maybe the celebrations should be held off for just a while, at least until January 20th 2009. Obama has a lot of work to do, and so Does America but today may have proved one thing...
America, Yes You Can
God Bless,
Peace
Friday, 24 October 2008
Waiting for the Guards
An impressive video as part of the campaign for Amnesty Internationals "UnSubscribe" Campaign. In recent years I have chose not to follow Amnesty over their refusal to accept a ProLife stance, however I strongly believe in this campaign.
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
Going Green?
Well, again its been a while. I just can't get myself into blogging since my return from Europe. I've wrote blogs, but deemed them uninteresting, and didn't post them. Up until now that hasn't bothered me, but now these days it does. I haven't been able to find inspiration. However this one is a rant in reference to a conversation I had recently.
I am quite enviormental. I would be an advocate for "going green". My discussion here is how non enviormentals tend to make a bigger thing out of it than Enviormentalists do. What do I mean by this? Well simply when you talk to people about "Going Green", their immediate reaction seems to be "Oh thats too much hassle". Well really its not that hard at all. Simple things can make a big difference, however people undermine them. For example, if your not in a room then turn the light out. Not watching TV; Turn it off. Going to a nearby store, walk don't drive. Many people think that its a whole other life being an "Enviormentalist", so much so that I'm not sure I want to relate myself to the word anymore.
"Going Green" can be simple changes to the way you do things, and just a little more extra thought. One thing that came up in our discussion was how they thought going green meant cutting out luxuries such as Air Travel. Where as some enviormentalists do choose not to use Air Travel, it is not an essential change. I for example have travelled three times by plane this summer. Infact we do not need to cut any of the luxuries out of our life; We don;t need to watch less tv, reduce Computing time, travel less etc etc. Just try the simple things.
1. Don't leave the Lights on if your not in the room
2. Turn of the TV at the mains, when your done watching
3. Turn of your PC at the mains
4. Don't drive unless you have too
5. Wash at Forty
6. Recycle
Recycling is the only change, that really takes more hassle. It does invovle sorting your waste, and may involve travelling to recycling bins or bays. Though for most of the North of Ireland, recycling bins are available from the councils, and will be collected in the same way as your waste bins.
So yeah thats all I wanted to say really. It may not seem that interesting to anyone, but trying the little things will help the enviorment, if we all start doing so. What other benifits are there? Well, you will save money, and in the time where the Worlds economy seems to be heading towards crisis, many countries already there, then we could all do with saving a few pennies. You'll spend less on electricity and less on gas. It benifits you and the Enviorment.
So yeah try the Green option for a while, and see what you think about it.
Sorry about the Self righteous Enviormentalist talk
God Bless
Peace
I am quite enviormental. I would be an advocate for "going green". My discussion here is how non enviormentals tend to make a bigger thing out of it than Enviormentalists do. What do I mean by this? Well simply when you talk to people about "Going Green", their immediate reaction seems to be "Oh thats too much hassle". Well really its not that hard at all. Simple things can make a big difference, however people undermine them. For example, if your not in a room then turn the light out. Not watching TV; Turn it off. Going to a nearby store, walk don't drive. Many people think that its a whole other life being an "Enviormentalist", so much so that I'm not sure I want to relate myself to the word anymore.
"Going Green" can be simple changes to the way you do things, and just a little more extra thought. One thing that came up in our discussion was how they thought going green meant cutting out luxuries such as Air Travel. Where as some enviormentalists do choose not to use Air Travel, it is not an essential change. I for example have travelled three times by plane this summer. Infact we do not need to cut any of the luxuries out of our life; We don;t need to watch less tv, reduce Computing time, travel less etc etc. Just try the simple things.
1. Don't leave the Lights on if your not in the room
2. Turn of the TV at the mains, when your done watching
3. Turn of your PC at the mains
4. Don't drive unless you have too
5. Wash at Forty
6. Recycle
Recycling is the only change, that really takes more hassle. It does invovle sorting your waste, and may involve travelling to recycling bins or bays. Though for most of the North of Ireland, recycling bins are available from the councils, and will be collected in the same way as your waste bins.
So yeah thats all I wanted to say really. It may not seem that interesting to anyone, but trying the little things will help the enviorment, if we all start doing so. What other benifits are there? Well, you will save money, and in the time where the Worlds economy seems to be heading towards crisis, many countries already there, then we could all do with saving a few pennies. You'll spend less on electricity and less on gas. It benifits you and the Enviorment.
So yeah try the Green option for a while, and see what you think about it.
Sorry about the Self righteous Enviormentalist talk
God Bless
Peace
Thursday, 2 October 2008
Im Sorry
Well its been a long time sine I made the effort to get a Blog up. I have yet to Blog about my trip to Europe and I have yet to have put up a Blog about my Week in Lourde. So I'm gonna throw quite alot in to this one.
Basically Europe was amazing. The indepth blog that I kept will never surface, by now its irrelevant. I flew into Paris, then visited Brest on the North West Coast of France. Its a lovely Maritime villiage. From here we returned to Paris. The City is beautiful, and is rife with Art, History and as much as I'd like to avoid the Cliché, it really is the City of Love. If your staying in Paris I would suggest the Montmartré area. It translates to the Mount of Martyrs. My reasoning is for the close proximity to the Sacré-Couer. It was my favourite Parisian site. If in Paris use their Metro. Its fantastic.
From here we crossed borders into Belgium to visit Brugge. Another beautiful place. The Camp sote we stayed in was beautiful, and was less than a half hour from the Square. We attended mass at the Chapel of the Precious Blood, and venerated the relic. It was all very overwellming. Before leaving Belgium we made the obvious stop in the Capital, Brussels. I don't want to talk ad about someones city, but I didn't get Brussels at all. Another border Crossing brought us to Germany, to the city that hosted the World Youth Day, previous to Sydney. Koln. It was a very nice city, and has a fascinating Cathedral and a great Zoo. From here we visisted a friend in birth place of Beethoven, Bonn. Then crossed borders again to the Beautiful city of Luxembourg. It really was a stunning place. Back into France this time to visit Strasbourg, before heading into Germany again for to ee Freiburg. We travelled back home through Paris, London, Holy head and Dublin.
Okay, I guess I'll talk about Lourde now. Lourde was amazing, and I have made memories that will last a life time. I met some amazing people, whom I hope to also have in my life forever. The whole place was amazing. The actual Sanctuary had me in awe. However the most special place in my eyes would have to be the Grotto. I stood in an area, that just 150 years ago, the Mother of Christ, and our Mother in Heaven stood. I was in absolute Peace the whole time I was there; Pray was easier than it has been in a long while. The Papal mass that I attended at 6am in the morning was great. The atmophere was fantastic. On top of the fact my Faith was given the boost I was looking for, the Craic was mighty also. Heres to the Jeanne D'Arc. Also it provided me with my first visit to the Basque region. It was a Beautiful Day.
In other not so great news, I'm not very happy in my current Job. I feel like I am no more than a glorified Technician or Secetary. Now I have no problems with said jobs; but after two years in a Industry specific course, this is not what I feel I should be doing. I know however I should not complian as many others have no jobs, and struggle with Cash flow. I pray for the strengthn to accept the work year ahead.
I believe that is all.
I won't be a stranger.
God Bless
Peace
Basically Europe was amazing. The indepth blog that I kept will never surface, by now its irrelevant. I flew into Paris, then visited Brest on the North West Coast of France. Its a lovely Maritime villiage. From here we returned to Paris. The City is beautiful, and is rife with Art, History and as much as I'd like to avoid the Cliché, it really is the City of Love. If your staying in Paris I would suggest the Montmartré area. It translates to the Mount of Martyrs. My reasoning is for the close proximity to the Sacré-Couer. It was my favourite Parisian site. If in Paris use their Metro. Its fantastic.
From here we crossed borders into Belgium to visit Brugge. Another beautiful place. The Camp sote we stayed in was beautiful, and was less than a half hour from the Square. We attended mass at the Chapel of the Precious Blood, and venerated the relic. It was all very overwellming. Before leaving Belgium we made the obvious stop in the Capital, Brussels. I don't want to talk ad about someones city, but I didn't get Brussels at all. Another border Crossing brought us to Germany, to the city that hosted the World Youth Day, previous to Sydney. Koln. It was a very nice city, and has a fascinating Cathedral and a great Zoo. From here we visisted a friend in birth place of Beethoven, Bonn. Then crossed borders again to the Beautiful city of Luxembourg. It really was a stunning place. Back into France this time to visit Strasbourg, before heading into Germany again for to ee Freiburg. We travelled back home through Paris, London, Holy head and Dublin.
Okay, I guess I'll talk about Lourde now. Lourde was amazing, and I have made memories that will last a life time. I met some amazing people, whom I hope to also have in my life forever. The whole place was amazing. The actual Sanctuary had me in awe. However the most special place in my eyes would have to be the Grotto. I stood in an area, that just 150 years ago, the Mother of Christ, and our Mother in Heaven stood. I was in absolute Peace the whole time I was there; Pray was easier than it has been in a long while. The Papal mass that I attended at 6am in the morning was great. The atmophere was fantastic. On top of the fact my Faith was given the boost I was looking for, the Craic was mighty also. Heres to the Jeanne D'Arc. Also it provided me with my first visit to the Basque region. It was a Beautiful Day.
In other not so great news, I'm not very happy in my current Job. I feel like I am no more than a glorified Technician or Secetary. Now I have no problems with said jobs; but after two years in a Industry specific course, this is not what I feel I should be doing. I know however I should not complian as many others have no jobs, and struggle with Cash flow. I pray for the strengthn to accept the work year ahead.
I believe that is all.
I won't be a stranger.
God Bless
Peace
Monday, 25 August 2008
New Job
Well today was the start of the new year for me.
I began my third year of my degree, which just so happens to be my placement year. So in order to complete my degree I have to spend a year in industry, and so I am working as a Web Developer in the
There were three of us and we started at nine. We went straight to HR to fill/hand in the necessary forms. We got our staff photographs taken and were led down to our office. I was pleasantly surprised to discover we are in the same office, and not separated into offices with older people whom we are unfamiliar with. Anyway after a short introduction and explanation of the job we went for a tea break. We started our first jobs after this... Building Computers from Ghost images.
Not exactly Interactive Multimedia Design, but a handy tool I guess. We were rebuilding the machines to suit our needs. We only got two machines done before heading for lunch, and then back to the room. We installed the Adobe CS3 Suite and then basically sat around until the end of the day.
So nothing to exciting, but all in all it seems okay. I'm now under the impression the year will entail more than I was aware.
So just a wee short one tonight. In other news due to a lack of requests I'm merely going to post a ingle blog summarising my Euro Trip.
Till Then
God Bless
Peace
Monday, 18 August 2008
Its been a While...
So August is nearly over and I haven't blogged in a while. Well I have but I just haven't posted yet, but I'm planning to make ammends.
So much has happened and I just haven't had anytime to myself. Where to start. For the whole month of July I was in Europe. I saw 4 countries and ten cities. I have so much to write about; From WIne on the Champ É'Leysée to mini golf on the side of a mountian in the Black Forest in Germany. It was great. I'm not gonna try and remember the whole lot in this blog cause I'll forget so much. I kept a daily blog though, so if anyone actually wants me to post them as I wrote them, comment or mail me. I don't believe anyone actually reads this so if I dont get the request, I'll just post a summary later. So coming home from Europe was a sobering experience. God Led me across Europe safely, and returned me home.. I got home and in the week I arrived there was two weddings , a gig and a night out.
I didn't have much time to rest. I got home two days prior to my cousins wedding as promised. I had to do a prayer reading at it. I got so nervous, but it went alright. The reception was great fun. It was so customed. Being a personal affair I won't go into it, but it was good fun. Two days passed and I got up and put on my suit again, this time for my Sister. Sharon McHugh was soon to be Sharon McQuitty.
I thought this day would never come, and honestly its a not a day I looked forward too. I'll be honest and say it caused a few family rows. However the day was great. We sorted everything as a family, and I honestly believe , or at least hope, the families have connected. My family laughed and danced all night. God blessed us with a great day. The McQuitty's are now safe at home after Honeymooning in Turkey.
So, the gig. Damien Dempsey played the Empire Music Hall yet again, and as always really impressed me. I brought my sister, as she is an incredibly talented girl when it comes to singing and music. I thought she'd be impressed, and she was. Though she knew no lyrics she enjoyed what she saw. I don't think I can go any more indept here; Damien is a great, honest and entertaining musician. You just have to see him live to believe it. His fan base is immense. His Latest album "The Rocky Road" is an incredible collection of the tunes that Damien grew up on himself. However the day brings me to my next point... The Dark Knight.
Previous to the gig me and my sister went to see Batman: The Dark Knight. At first viewing I thought this movie was amazing. I was blown away by Heaths performance. In an interveiw he said "Its probably the most fun I'll Ever have acting a character". If only he knew how true that statement would be. Regardless of him passing away, his portrayal of the Joker is great. However at second veiw I didn't feel so strongly about the movie afterwards.
It's not a masterpiece a many have said.
It's not the Godfather of the Superhero genre.
Asfar as being a masterpeice goes, the story was quiet week. What I mean buy this is that for being a Batman movie, he seemed like an irrelevant character. Replace batman with any superhero and you'll note he makes little impact. The film is about the Joker and Harvy Dent. So the story straight away takes away from it being a masterpeice. I have other problems but I won't dwell, the movie is still a great watch.
This is getting long so I'm gonna go.
God bless
Peace
So much has happened and I just haven't had anytime to myself. Where to start. For the whole month of July I was in Europe. I saw 4 countries and ten cities. I have so much to write about; From WIne on the Champ É'Leysée to mini golf on the side of a mountian in the Black Forest in Germany. It was great. I'm not gonna try and remember the whole lot in this blog cause I'll forget so much. I kept a daily blog though, so if anyone actually wants me to post them as I wrote them, comment or mail me. I don't believe anyone actually reads this so if I dont get the request, I'll just post a summary later. So coming home from Europe was a sobering experience. God Led me across Europe safely, and returned me home.. I got home and in the week I arrived there was two weddings , a gig and a night out.
I didn't have much time to rest. I got home two days prior to my cousins wedding as promised. I had to do a prayer reading at it. I got so nervous, but it went alright. The reception was great fun. It was so customed. Being a personal affair I won't go into it, but it was good fun. Two days passed and I got up and put on my suit again, this time for my Sister. Sharon McHugh was soon to be Sharon McQuitty.
I thought this day would never come, and honestly its a not a day I looked forward too. I'll be honest and say it caused a few family rows. However the day was great. We sorted everything as a family, and I honestly believe , or at least hope, the families have connected. My family laughed and danced all night. God blessed us with a great day. The McQuitty's are now safe at home after Honeymooning in Turkey.
So, the gig. Damien Dempsey played the Empire Music Hall yet again, and as always really impressed me. I brought my sister, as she is an incredibly talented girl when it comes to singing and music. I thought she'd be impressed, and she was. Though she knew no lyrics she enjoyed what she saw. I don't think I can go any more indept here; Damien is a great, honest and entertaining musician. You just have to see him live to believe it. His fan base is immense. His Latest album "The Rocky Road" is an incredible collection of the tunes that Damien grew up on himself. However the day brings me to my next point... The Dark Knight.
Previous to the gig me and my sister went to see Batman: The Dark Knight. At first viewing I thought this movie was amazing. I was blown away by Heaths performance. In an interveiw he said "Its probably the most fun I'll Ever have acting a character". If only he knew how true that statement would be. Regardless of him passing away, his portrayal of the Joker is great. However at second veiw I didn't feel so strongly about the movie afterwards.
It's not a masterpiece a many have said.
It's not the Godfather of the Superhero genre.
Asfar as being a masterpeice goes, the story was quiet week. What I mean buy this is that for being a Batman movie, he seemed like an irrelevant character. Replace batman with any superhero and you'll note he makes little impact. The film is about the Joker and Harvy Dent. So the story straight away takes away from it being a masterpeice. I have other problems but I won't dwell, the movie is still a great watch.
This is getting long so I'm gonna go.
God bless
Peace
Wednesday, 2 July 2008
Serve Thailand Volunteers Leave...
Today the Serve Thailand Volunteers left, for Six weeks volunteer work in various Project throughout the Country. Yesterday the group gathered in Dublin for a last chance to bond.
I Joined Them.
I got an early train to Dublin and went straight to check in to my room in "The Shinning Hostel", on Marlbourgh Street. I had booked a Bed in a 14 bed mixed Dorm, under the impression it was not the same room as the rest of the group. Once I got settled I realised I had forgot my list of Phone Numbers and had no way of contacting the group. I went to an internet Café and read every email I had from Serve but still found nothing.
With the impression I was in the wrong room, and had no way of contacting them, I decided to count my losses and just go for food. I was aiming to eat for 5 Euro; In Dublin this is NOT possible. I opted for a Chippie called "Fusciardi's". The food was great, but being Dublin I got charged 2 Euro for a can of Pepsi. Darn Inflation!
At this point I was heading back to my Hostel, not really sure why. I was miffed and when I got to the door I decided to just keep walking, with no Idea where I was going. I turned down an Alleyway and was Happy, to say the least, when I saw Perrine, the group leader standing infront of me. God was definitely looking after me. We went into the nearest bar and waited a short while for others to arrive.
I love company, of Friends or strangers, so I really enjoyed the time spent here, getting to know new people, and talking to familiar faces too. With different people having different errands to run, for a short while it was just me and Perrine. I really enjoyed talking with her about Politics, Music and Travel; France in particular. Eventually everyone came back and the conversation lasted until the bar closed for the night. We went back to our hostel at this point.
I got talking to a girl about how I wasn't going to Thailand anymore, and the conversation led on to my time in Medjugorje, and my lost Rosary Beads. She reached into her bag and gave me a set of her own. I was really grateful. After all getting ready, we had a short chat with a Filipino man that was sharing our dorm, and tried to sleep. Though I didn't sleep for long, I was refreshed when I arose.
The group seperated and went to do there own errands again. My self and Pauline, the girl that gave me the Rosary Beads went to various shops to pick up what she needed. We got talking about the Bible, and our own Bibles before she left for a meeting. The rest of the group gathered, got some photographs taken and walked to a Thai resturant; unfortunately is was closed and so we opted for a Filipino resturant called "Café Milano". Pauline had rejoined at this stage. The food was great and then we made our way to the Bus-Stop so the group could get the 41 bus to the airport. Before leaving Pauline gave me her Bible. I was Very grateful for this.
I went no further than the Bus-Stop. As they drove off I began my walk back to my Train for Belfast. It felt like the longest journey ever. I really wanted to be on that Bus, and not this train. I knew that I'd be bothered, but I didn't expect to be this down about it.
I really hope the project goes very well, and all that all projects are successful. I have nothing to do with myself at the moment, as this is the Last place I really want to be.
God Bless
Peace
I Joined Them.
I got an early train to Dublin and went straight to check in to my room in "The Shinning Hostel", on Marlbourgh Street. I had booked a Bed in a 14 bed mixed Dorm, under the impression it was not the same room as the rest of the group. Once I got settled I realised I had forgot my list of Phone Numbers and had no way of contacting the group. I went to an internet Café and read every email I had from Serve but still found nothing.
With the impression I was in the wrong room, and had no way of contacting them, I decided to count my losses and just go for food. I was aiming to eat for 5 Euro; In Dublin this is NOT possible. I opted for a Chippie called "Fusciardi's". The food was great, but being Dublin I got charged 2 Euro for a can of Pepsi. Darn Inflation!
At this point I was heading back to my Hostel, not really sure why. I was miffed and when I got to the door I decided to just keep walking, with no Idea where I was going. I turned down an Alleyway and was Happy, to say the least, when I saw Perrine, the group leader standing infront of me. God was definitely looking after me. We went into the nearest bar and waited a short while for others to arrive.
I love company, of Friends or strangers, so I really enjoyed the time spent here, getting to know new people, and talking to familiar faces too. With different people having different errands to run, for a short while it was just me and Perrine. I really enjoyed talking with her about Politics, Music and Travel; France in particular. Eventually everyone came back and the conversation lasted until the bar closed for the night. We went back to our hostel at this point.
I got talking to a girl about how I wasn't going to Thailand anymore, and the conversation led on to my time in Medjugorje, and my lost Rosary Beads. She reached into her bag and gave me a set of her own. I was really grateful. After all getting ready, we had a short chat with a Filipino man that was sharing our dorm, and tried to sleep. Though I didn't sleep for long, I was refreshed when I arose.
The group seperated and went to do there own errands again. My self and Pauline, the girl that gave me the Rosary Beads went to various shops to pick up what she needed. We got talking about the Bible, and our own Bibles before she left for a meeting. The rest of the group gathered, got some photographs taken and walked to a Thai resturant; unfortunately is was closed and so we opted for a Filipino resturant called "Café Milano". Pauline had rejoined at this stage. The food was great and then we made our way to the Bus-Stop so the group could get the 41 bus to the airport. Before leaving Pauline gave me her Bible. I was Very grateful for this.
I went no further than the Bus-Stop. As they drove off I began my walk back to my Train for Belfast. It felt like the longest journey ever. I really wanted to be on that Bus, and not this train. I knew that I'd be bothered, but I didn't expect to be this down about it.
I really hope the project goes very well, and all that all projects are successful. I have nothing to do with myself at the moment, as this is the Last place I really want to be.
God Bless
Peace
Friday, 27 June 2008
Clonard Solemn Novena
Okay my second blog this night. I was gonna mix this up with the last blog post, but in the end thought it deserved its own post.
The Clonard Solemn Novena for 2008 concluded at half one on Friday Morning, and it was great. I've done Novena's before, I've even done the Clonard Novena before, but this one was different. I didn't want it to end. I really loved it. The theme this year was "A Life Worth Living", which is a big statement to me. Anyway I was helping out a little at this years Novena aswell. I worked the camera at some sessions, and sorted petitions every night. Some of the petitions read out by the preachers brought me near tears, and the session I attended on Tuesday did. I was so glad to be in the Organ Balcony at the time so that no one noticed. I just thought the whole thing was fantastic. So much work is put into it. I am sad to say I missed two days, for Christy Moore and Def Leppard. I've made the Promise not to miss a single day next year.
In general I think there are so many great people involved with Clonard, and it really does feel like a community, of which I am not yet a member, but felt so incredibly welcome. I won't start telling stories, but I suggest you attend next year.
http://www.clonard.com
The Clonard Solemn Novena for 2008 concluded at half one on Friday Morning, and it was great. I've done Novena's before, I've even done the Clonard Novena before, but this one was different. I didn't want it to end. I really loved it. The theme this year was "A Life Worth Living", which is a big statement to me. Anyway I was helping out a little at this years Novena aswell. I worked the camera at some sessions, and sorted petitions every night. Some of the petitions read out by the preachers brought me near tears, and the session I attended on Tuesday did. I was so glad to be in the Organ Balcony at the time so that no one noticed. I just thought the whole thing was fantastic. So much work is put into it. I am sad to say I missed two days, for Christy Moore and Def Leppard. I've made the Promise not to miss a single day next year.
In general I think there are so many great people involved with Clonard, and it really does feel like a community, of which I am not yet a member, but felt so incredibly welcome. I won't start telling stories, but I suggest you attend next year.
http://www.clonard.com
God Bless
Peace
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