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Bad Actors! Stop giving them work!

WARNING – This post is entirely my opinion and yes, I’m very opinionated. There are clear and obvious reasons why some actors get regular work, and it isn’t always because they’re actually any good. Often, they may have one good role in them – Stallone as Rocky, Arnie as Terminator [read more…]

Hello

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About Me

Straight 4 pay

The details of my life are quite inconsequential… very well, where do I begin? My father was a relentlessly self-improving boulangerie owner from Belgium with low-grade narcolepsy and a penchant for buggery. My mother was a fifteen-year-old French prostitute named Chloe with webbed feet.

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More from my brain…

Blog Entry

Bad Actors! Stop giving them work!

WARNING – This post is entirely my opinion and yes, I’m very opinionated. There are clear and obvious reasons why some actors get regular work, and it isn’t always because they’re actually any good. Often, they may have one good role in them – Stallone as Rocky, Arnie as Terminator [read more…]

Blog Entry

Die Hard – The Argument that Won’t Die!

Every year, regardless of previous discussions, I get caught up in the age-old argument of “Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?” Of course it isn’t and I shout this from the rooftops constantly and it’s a hill I’m prepared to die on but what exactly does make a movie a [read more…]

Blog Entry

Dune: Part 2 – A Review

Dune: Part 2 is the cinematic experience you never knew you needed – unless you were yearning for two and a half hours of desert landscapes and Timothee Chalamet struggling to emote. Let’s start with the positive, because I’m feeling generous. The cinematography in this film is so breathtaking that [read more…]

Blog Entry

Creating my own language

I have started learning Toki Pona and while doing so I’ve decided to create my own language. I don’t know why I want to do this, I just think it sounds like fun. I’ve done some research on what I need to do to go about this and seems like [read more…]

Blog Entry

Motion for Conference

I have been involved with my trade union since 2008. Back then it was called “Impact” and initially, I was just a member. Eventually I became a workplace contact. This is similar to workplace representative but instead of representing the member you take their details and a short description of [read more…]

Blog Entry

Random Image Widget

I’ve added a random image widget to my homepage. I’m not happy with how it works and I think I could code one better so I’m going to give it a try. If you’d like to see all the images that will be there here they are.

Blog Entry

My Dissertation

Well here’s my dissertation in all it’s glory. Some things to note: It’s already been submitted, marked and I’ve qualified (2:1 Hons) so please don’t bother pointing out spelling or grammar mistakes. It is not a full dissertation as the course I was on was considered part-time. As such no [read more…]

Blog Entry

End of an era

This post turned out to be longer than I thought! I suppose my thoughts just kept on coming. For sixteen years I have worked for the same organisation, and I have loved it. In my job I support people with an intellectual disability. Some of them have what’s described as [read more…]

Blog Entry

Closets and Chronicles

In the dimly lit corner of my cluttered office, surrounded by a tower of half-empty coffee cups and a mountain of half-written notes, I’m embarking on a literary adventure destined to change lives (or at least entertain a few people). Okay, so it probably won’t change lives but it’ll make [read more…]

Blog Entry

My Core Values

In 2017 I trained to be a life coach, specialising in executives. It was a brilliant course and even if you don’t want to work as life coach it’s a course I’d recommend as the skills I learned on the course are skills I use almost daily. Anyway, as part [read more…]

Blog Entry

2023 in Review

  Well what a year it’s been. Personally, for reasons that will become apparent a little further down, I’ve had an amazing year. Lets start at the very beginning, a very good place to star. January Is there anything better than seeing in the New Year with the many you [read more…]

Podcast

Latest Podcast – Mental Health Tips

On the latest episode of my podcast I give some mental health tips. I talk about the six I use but promised to give all ten here. So here you go. Download it here: BB Mental Health Tips Or right click on the pic.

Blog Entry

Lakeside Writers – Story Two

Here is my entry for my second week at the writers group. Prompt: The smell of burnt sugar. Title: Sweet Hypochondria In the labyrinth of my mind, where the lines between genius and lunacy are drawn in disappearing ink, I found myself teetering on the precipice of an olfactory enigma. [read more…]

Blog Entry

I’ve started a Podcast

So I decided to put myself out there and start a podcast about my body image issues and how they affect my mental health. It’s scary doing it as I’m being blunt and honest and really opening myself up to the listeners. I’ve one episode out so far. I’m happy [read more…]

Blog Entry

Lakeside Writers Group

A group of locals, me being one of them, have come together to create a writers group. It’s fun. Someone comes up with a prompt, we then go away and come back the next week with a 1000 word (max) short story. I’m enjoying it so far and the people [read more…]

Couch to 80k

Couch to 80K – Week Three – Day One

I’m doing the “Couch to 80k” – a writing bootcamp from writer and poet Tim Clare. For more information go here: http://www.timclarepoet.co.uk/couchto80kwritingbootcamp/ Other than Brad and work I don’t think I’ve stuck with anything this long, I usually give up. Exercise Eleven Part A Write about a person. Where they [read more…]

Couch to 80k

Couch to 80K – Week Two – Day Six

I’m doing the “Couch to 80k” – a writing bootcamp from writer and poet Tim Clare. For more information go here: http://www.timclarepoet.co.uk/couchto80kwritingbootcamp/ “You get up an hour early wanko!” I loved this quote from todays podcast. Exercise Ten Another ten minute free write. Pick an object from our day six [read more…]

Image shows a desk where someone is writing a letter. We can only see their hands. There is a coffee cup on the table.
Couch to 80k

Couch to 80K – Week Two – Day Five

I’m doing the “Couch to 80k” – a writing bootcamp from writer and poet Tim Clare. For more information go here: http://www.timclarepoet.co.uk/couchto80kwritingbootcamp/ Exercise Ten Choose two names from the list we made on day one (Mine is here should be interested) Person one is writing an emotive letter to person [read more…]

Couch to 80k

Couch to 80K – Week Two – Day Four

I’m doing the “Couch to 80k” – a writing bootcamp from writer and poet Tim Clare. For more information go here: http://www.timclarepoet.co.uk/couchto80kwritingbootcamp/ Exercise Nine Another free write. Write on any subject. Keep writing for ten minutes. Standing in the queue for check-in we made small talk about what plans we’d [read more…]

Couch to 80k

Couch to 80K – Week Two – Day Three

I’m doing the “Couch to 80k” – a writing bootcamp from writer and poet Tim Clare. For more information go here: http://www.timclarepoet.co.uk/couchto80kwritingbootcamp/ Exercise Nine Another free write. Write on any subject. Keep writing for ten minutes. I don’t believe in ghosts. I don’t believe in an after life. I don’t [read more…]

Couch to 80k

Couch to 80K – Week Two – Day Two

I’m doing the “Couch to 80k” – a writing bootcamp from writer and poet Tim Clare. For more information go here: http://www.timclarepoet.co.uk/couchto80kwritingbootcamp/ Exercise Eight Another free write. Write on any subject. Keep writing for ten minutes. Yesterday I talk about school and history lessons but I actually started talk about [read more…]

Blog Entry

My mom the badass!

My mother is awesome. There are lots of stories I have that show her as a badass or caring mother but there’s one that, well, sometimes it can be one of those ‘you had to be there’ stories, other times it makes me giggle thinking about. My mother likes a [read more…]

Couch to 80k

Couch to 80K – Week Two – Day One

I’m doing the “Couch to 80k” – a writing bootcamp from writer and poet Tim Clare. For more information go here: http://www.timclarepoet.co.uk/couchto80kwritingbootcamp/ Exercise Seven Write for ten minutes about whatever you like – no stopping. Don’t worry about grammar, feel free to change subject at any point. Try not to [read more…]

Couch to 80k

Couch to 80K – Week One – Day Six

I’m doing the “Couch to 80k” – a writing bootcamp from writer and poet Tim Clare. For more information go here: http://www.timclarepoet.co.uk/couchto80kwritingbootcamp/ Exercise Six Interesting objects found in the protagonists bag. Try to be specific. Feel free to write about more than one protagonist. Protagonist One The stub from a [read more…]

Couch to 80k

Couch to 80K – Week One – Day Five

I’m doing the “Couch to 80k” – a writing bootcamp from writer and poet Tim Clare. For more information go here: http://www.timclarepoet.co.uk/couchto80kwritingbootcamp/ Exercise Five List the books you haven’t read by intend to. Include non-fiction. Moby Dick – Herman Melville The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald Fahrenheit 451 – [read more…]

Couch to 80k

Couch to 80K – Week One – Day Four

I’m doing the “Couch to 80k” – a writing bootcamp from writer and poet Tim Clare. For more information go here: http://www.timclarepoet.co.uk/couchto80kwritingbootcamp/ Exercise Four A list of character descriptions Approx. 6ft3. Light brown hair. Blue eyes. Carries of folio of papers. Wearing a smart suit but no tie. Has pierced [read more…]

Couch to 80k

Couch to 80k – Week One – Day Three

I’m doing the “Couch to 80k” – a writing bootcamp from writer and poet Tim Clare. For more information go here: http://www.timclarepoet.co.uk/couchto80kwritingbootcamp/ Exercise Three Write a list of problems or scenarios a character might face. Doesn’t have to be specific but it helps. Can be serious or have an element [read more…]

Couch to 80k

Couch to 80k – Week One – Day Two

I’m doing the “Couch to 80k” – a writing bootcamp from writer and poet Tim Clare. For more information go here: http://www.timclarepoet.co.uk/couchto80kwritingbootcamp/ Exercise Two Create two columns. One with word you like and one with words you don’t. Words You Like Words You Don’t Like Smotyn* Irregardless Love Hate Awesome [read more…]

Couch to 80k

Couch to 80k – Week One – Day One

In the last few years I’ve start writing four different books. I get about seven or eight chapters in and then lose motivation and I don’t know why. Especially as I have the full story ini my head for all four of them. All four are vastly different stories, and [read more…]

Blog Entry

My Hearing Loss Story – ish!

Yesterday, a fella I follow on Mastodon, John, posted this:  It’s a really interesting article where Mary Louise Kelly talks about her hearing loss and some of what she says resonates with me. It’s worth a read. Anyway, I thought I’d share my hearing loss journey*. Unlike hers, my [read more…]

Blog Entry

Surgery and Sick

It’s been a very difficult few weeks. On February 21st I went in for gallbladder surgery. Everything went well and my gallbladder was fully removed. I don’t feel any different not having one. People warned me about the side effects of not having a gallbladder but so far I’ve had [read more…]

Film

M3gan (2022) – A review – CONTAINS SPOILERS

Director: Gerard Johnstone Writer: Akela Cooper (story & screenplay) and James Wan (story) Cast: Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Ronny Chieng, Amie Donald, Jenna Davis, Brian Jordan Alvarez As someone who used to write film reviews for a living I genuinely don’t know where to begin with this review. When it [read more…]

Blog Entry

Placement Starting

Tomorrow I start placement for uni. My last one before I qualify. It’s working with the elderly services and I’m excited and also nervous. I haven’t worked with the elderly in over 23 years. It’s not an area I think I’m interested but we’ll see. A short entry but so [read more…]

Blog Entry

Night Shifts

In seven hours I finish my last night shift. I want to add “in forever” but let’s be honest, that’s not gonna happen. We all know at some point I’ll be back on nights. But, when I finish this one I’ll be heading home, loading the car and Brad will [read more…]

Blog Entry

Bladder & Birthday!

Today I met with Dr. Mark Regan at the Galway Clinic. He is the surgeon who, on February 21st next year, will remove my Gallbladder. He’s doubtful he’ll be able to do it through keyhole surgery but will try. If he has to do full surgery it’ll mean three days [read more…]

Blog Entry

International Coming Out Day

Today is International Coming Out Day and I’m not gonna lie it’s a day I hate. Although groups promote it and add “but hey, do it when you’re ready!” I just feel the day itself puts so much pressure on people to come out when they’re not ready. I’m not [read more…]

Blog Entry

Back to uni!

Today is the first day of the last year of my degree! I’ve honestly no idea what to do with this qualification but it’s time to start thinking about it. I’m toying with the idea of doing a masters and have some choices to make. – Deaf Studies – Gender [read more…]

Blog Entry

The story changes but things stay the same

Twenty years ago, in the evening, I arrived back from my home country of Switzerland, tired and aching, after taking part in an MMA bout against the then world champion. I didn’t win and wasn’t in the mood to deal with people so off I went to the pub. The [read more…]

Blog Entry

Last night

Last night, on our way to an island on Lough Ree, the engine stopped working on the boat behind me in the picture. Nothing anyone did got it started. As we floated out in the Loogh Ree, wondering what we were going to do, Marian suddenly got the engine started! [read more…]

Anxiety at the gym
Blog Entry

Anxiety at the gym

So I’m fat. No amount of pulling my stomach in is going to hide it. There are days I don’t mind it. I never like it but there are days I think “I’m happy, I have a great life, Brad loves me, who cares what size I am!” These days [read more…]

The Invisible Man (2020) – A Review
Film

The Invisible Man (2020) – A Review

***WARNING*** This review will contain spoilers! When Cecilia’s abusive ex takes his own life and leaves her his fortune, she suspects his death was a hoax. As a series of coincidences turn lethal, Cecilia works to prove that she is being hunted by someone nobody can see. One of the [read more…]

My work bag!
Blog Entry

My work bag!

People often comment about the contents of a woman’s handbag so let me tell you wants in the bag I take to work almost daily.  The items in bold are what I use daily. – Laptop – iPad – Contact lens case – Beard comb – Make-up – Tissues – [read more…]

Blog Entry

27 out of 29

Before I met the man of my dreams, the man I now call my husband, I was dating a Scottish lad called Stuart. He was handsome, good body, pleasant attitude but man, very high maintenance, and spoilt. Yet, something kept me with him for five and half years. We split [read more…]

Blog Entry

Roscommon

At the weekend we had a lovely trip away. Not too far, just to Roscommon to visit and stay with our friends Pat & Marian. Their house is a beautiful little contact on the main road but, with us able to close their front gates, we were able to take [read more…]

My favourite group/song
Blog Entry

My favourite group/song

A question often asked when people are getting to know each other is “What’s your favourite song?” or “What’s your favourite group?” Often people will reply “oh there’s too many to name!” and that’s understandable as music can be emotive and people can have lots of favourites. For me though, [read more…]

Uncategorized

Loughrea Toastmasters

Yesterday I took over as Club President for Loughrea Toastmasters, a positions I’m looking forward to serving in. I thought I’d share with you my presidents message for the year. Presidents Message I owe Toastmasters a debt. My husband likes to tell people that I’m a “ringer!” What he means [read more…]

Day 1
Blog Entry

Day 1

Today marks the day I said I’d write something every day. So how about I start with a bit about me. Maybe it’ll serve as an about me page. I’m Rob. I’m a number of years old and I live in Galway, Ireland. I’m married to an amazing man who [read more…]