FAQ

Well, recent FAQ at any rate. And since I've neglected to answer them, I figured it would make for a less-than-compelling but not-exactly-boring entry. So here we go.

How's work? Work is exceptionally well, thank you. Tomorrow I'm presenting the new office CAD templates/standards/filing systems. (yep, I've already taken over the office) I'm working on a number of projects including a toy store, the housing component of a mixed use development, an office remodel, and a new housing development. Our own offices are about 50% remodelled now; we've moved into the new studio space and I managed to snag myself a window seat by the radiator. No more drafting in mittens! I like my boss very much and the co-workers and I get along quite well. They like flavored coffee and think I'm funny. It's heaven, they'll probably fire me next week.

Been anywhere lately? Since Paris, no. Unless you count the grocery store and the movies. I have nothing on the books at the moment since MegaRon is on his way here for a week during the St Patricks Day Festival. Eee. Can't wait!

Is Dublin gearing up for St Patricks Day? I haven't really noticed any stacks of kegs yet, but it's still 3 weeks to go. The festival committee has been working since last year and has quite a bit scheduled. This year, I make the parade, come hell or high water. If you're interested, have a look here to see that it's not just a drunkfest. It's primarily one, but there are other events.

Do they do the Guinness Toast there? Um, yes actually, nightly. The world record toast? No. Since Guinness is really the only beer here, they don't relly need to compel people to drink it.

What other beers do they have? The usual lineup: Smithwicks (Irish Red Ale), Miller Lite, Budwiser, Coors Light, Erdinger (Czech I think?), Bulmer's Apple Cider. It's a rough country for a dark beer drinker who's tired of Guinness. Although they are producing a new 'microbrew' line that's quite nice. It's just not being sold in all the pubs.

Still taking Italian? Yep. A new round started a couple of weeks ago and it's terrifying. It's a Zero English Class with a Spainiard and an Irishman who lived in Rome for 4 years. I am officially the slow antelope in the herd. Which is going to be my band name when FS learns to play the guitar.

Speaking of, do you still speak to Flatmate Suzie? Of course. She's been rechristened Former Flatmate Suzie, for obvioius reasons, which makes me giggle because FFS is 'for fuck's sake' when texting. Not that I'd use such language. On a phone anyway. I had tea with her last week and she's doing well. She did confess that naked isolation is boring that she's not eating as well as when I lived there.

How's the new roommate? Well, she's no Suzie.

Are you getting out more? Kind of. Last Saturday I spent the night in the least friendly gay bar ever. No dancing, no talking to people you didn't know. AR (American Roomate) dragged me to a going away party for a friend, promising we'd only stay for an hour. 5 hours later...

What's the Olympics Coverage like? We aren't seeing so much in truth. Then again, I don't get out much. But from what I can see, like the US, what's being shown is mostly figure skating. And anyone beating England. The thing is, you really only tune in to root for your country and when was the last time you saw the Irish in a medal round? besides, they've got so many sports here to watch, it's more than enough. Rugby, soccer, hurling, horse racing, anyone beating England...

Dating anyone? That one's just mean.

How long are you going to be there, cause I want to come see you? I'll be here for a few more years, don't panic. But do come visit soon. I can't guarantee I'll stay when I win the Euro Lotto. Besides, we're having unprecedented good weather now. No better time to visit than when it isn't pissing down rain, as they say.

Any more stories of the bus? The 46A made the driver change enroute again, at the same place even. This time, however, the heating stayed on. I still contend it is a waste of resources somehow.

What do you miss most? Anything we can send you? Why yes, thanks. The following is a list of my most missed items. Feel free to put a care package together at any time. 1 lb bags of plain M+M's, chips and salsa (it's $15 as an appetizer here and the last salsa had carrots in it), Micro-brew beers like Fat Tire (you can only drink so much Guinness), Target, Rembrandt toothpaste, Advil, roasted pecan coffee, pecans, Fines Herbs, Healing Gardens Jasmine lotion and shower gel, cheap long distance phone calls, Laurie Notaro's books, ditto for David Sedaris and Sarah Vowell, Pepe + Mito's food (particularly the queso and the chipolte chicken enchiladas), free coffee refills, iced tea. It's a pretty sad little list, isn't it?

Can we call you? Yeeeeah!! Although I'd rather not publish my phone number on the internet, so send me an email and I'll supply my mobile for you.