If I was a betting man...

I'd be broke. I found out today that betting on horses is not the best career choice for me. I had a terrific day at the point to point racing near the mourne mountains with Susan and her vice principal Andra and her husband Raymond. I didn't even know what point to point racing was until today, but I have to admit I liked it a lot better than the track racing. It is like track racing, because the horses run in a circuit, but there are jumps and it is out in a field. It kind of had the atmosphere of a county fair, but it was strictly horses and there were about 25 bookies. I would have taken more pictures or video, but sadly I have misplaced my battery charger, and my video camera switched on in my bag and it too died early in the event. Anyway, I went about selecting my horses in a very scientific way. First I scanned all of the names and picked out the ones that struck me, and then I checked the colors to make sure that they were acceptable, and if they were.. that was the horse I cheered for, and if they weren't I moved to my second choice. There were 8 races, and out of the eight races... the first 6 horses I picked didn't even finish the race. By the end I was beginning to feel badly about even picking a horse because I felt that I was kind of condemning it. The second to the last race I picked a horse that actually at one point was winning but by the end landed in 3rd place-- sadly only because the first place horse took a nasty spill before it reached the finish line. I don't think that the jockey was hurt, but the horse was limping which doesn't make its future look bright.. I am hoping it was just a superficial injury for that horse's sake. The last race I picked two horses, one with the name Cooper Spark and one named Mr. Happy. I liked the name Cooper spark best, but in the parade it looked more like a giraffe than a horse, so it worried me a bit. And I really didn't like the name Mr Happy... seems kind of perverse, but the horse was very pretty so I cheered for it too. Cooper Spark won by a neck (literally a close finish) and Mr Happy came in last... so I think that based on my research choosing by the name is clearly the way to go... unless you are putting money on it -- then I'd go for the one that has won the most races!

Giant's Causeway Pictures

Here are some pictures from my visit to the giant's causeway.

Elation

I find it funny what brings joy into my life.. you know the kind of joy that makes you want to leap off the couch and call your friends well I had a moment of that today, except all of the friends that would have understood my excitement were halfway around the world at work so I am blogging instead. Today I was flicking through the channels on the television free-view box and as a scanned through the names of all of the shows I came across Project Catwalk which of course caught my eye because it sounds so similar to project runway...and to my utter elation it is the British version of the show! Happy Days! I enjoyed a design episode that took the designers to B&Q which is a hardware store where they found their materials for their designs. I would have to say that the American version in the grocery was better, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and I am inspired one again. Anyway I am excited that I'm not really missing out on one of my favorite American shows! And of course I already have identified my favorite (favourite) designers! AND if I had a sewing machine here, I would be signing up for a dressmakers course to replace my closed out pottery class... but alas, I am still in search of my new hobby... several candidates at the moment--flower arranging, jewlery making, and beginning painting (I am just desperate to see if there is some deeply hidden artistic gene in me!)

So I have had two great get-a-ways since I have been back from my Christmas holiday. My first visit was to Joanne'’s friend Gerrad in Ballycastle. We went to a local pub that was a good time, but the highlight of the trip was definitely Giant'’s Causeway. I could visit there often. It was so peaceful. I really think if I were going to permanently move to N.I. it might be to the area around Giant's Causeway... who am I kidding... they probably don't have community classes in the rural area...how would i ever uncover my hidden talents! Regardless I found it a beautiful place. I loved the rocky coastline, and so if Belfast is calling me to settle, perhaps New England is!

Last weekend, I visited Cardiff, Wales. In a recent email to Jill I made the spelling error in my exhaustion and sickness telling her even though I was under the weather I was planning on going because I really did want to see whales. Oops... so I didn't see any whales in Wales... It was a nice little city though. It really didn't feel that different from Belfast, except I think Belfastians are a lot more laid back, and social. I really didn't interact with too many people from Wales, a couple of slimey men in the bar (which thanks to reading Super dating or something like that at Elanors house clued me into their secret behaviors) As a side note, humorous reading... and if I could remember the title i would recommend if for a little light reading and conversation. Poker girls... it would definitely spark conversation! Anyway.. interactions with the welsh... really I only had conversation with one welsh person, Mark, and he was nice enough to treat me to coffee (since my bank card wouldn't work) and to show me around Cardiff... he was very nice, and helped me to see past the stiff outer shell of Cardiff people. I will hold out on my enjoyment rankings of the UK until I actually visit some place in England other than the airport, because based on airport interaction, England is not fairing so well.

Alas, time has flown since I returned, and I am anticipating the time to increasingly speed by. I have to say it is hard to believe I have been away from home for 5 months... it feels like I just got here... and like I haven't traveled anywhere... this weekend's task is to plan the places where I can take weekend escapes, and to find some friends to go with me!

Giant's Causeway

You can go to the link below to see my imovie for the kids about the Giant's Causeway.
http://homepage.mac.com/stephanieosu
Pictures and words will hopefully come this week.

Word of the Day --

Today's word, like many words before it, would best be linked to a night out.
TALENT, n. good looking men (or women)
Joanne asked Sonia, "Is there any talent in this place?"
We may not be Simon Cowll, but we can spot talent!