20th October 2012 - Flowers

I had a long and tough week in college. We had lectures on four nights instead of three. So yesterday was my first day without going to school after work. I almost fell asleep in work. Therefore, I had no choice so far - I had to develop a coffein addiction which has resulted in drinking a lot of coffee.

The whole week felt really long and we had this workshop going on in work which involved me and some of my organisational skills. To cut a long story short, my work was appreciated and as a thank you I got a very nice bouquet of flowers.

My bouquet of flowers. Unfortunately the roses seem to start withering.

 Centre piece of the bouquet.

I really like to colour combination.

I got them on Wednesday, so I had to bring them to college to get them home safely. I was a bit of a balancing act to carry my bag, the flowers (which proofed to be very heavy) and a cup of coffee. Furthermore, I spilled some of the water when I put them down. The had a clear plastic bag attached to them which contained water so that they would last the day.

I am planing to go to town later on. I figured out that I enjoy Dublin City Centre on Saturday mornings, so at some point I will find a way out of bed and grab my sports gear. Will get breakfast shortly.

Through college we are given the option of download MS Office application for free with a registration code that gives us the possibility to use any of them for the next two years. Hence I am downloading MS Visio and MS Project. Just waiting on the downloads to finish.

Still tired, might play some Mass Effect 2 while having breakfast.

14th October 2012 - My Granddad sent me a few pictures

And I thought, I upload them here:

 Apples! My stomach is rumbling ...

 I really have to eat something.

My granddad has a real passion for picking apples. He does it every year.

I am going to have a lazy day today. I did a bit of studying in the library yesterday and went to the gym afterwards for about an hour, spent 30 minutes on the bike and did almost 7.5 km on it. Never done that before. Usually, I hate the bike in gym but these are great. They have a proper seat and good back support.

Did a bit of housework when I came home and had dinner with my housemates. Finished my second run of "Mass Effect, Part 1" and it's itching in my fingers to keep playing number two. I have no real plans for today and it's raining. The rain woke me up early. Will get dressed at some point. Really have to eat something. Those apple pictures really make you hungry.

13th October 2012 - It takes a non-Student to tell a Student ...

Learnt an important lecture yesterday: you better listen to a non-student than a student: the non-student was my friend Tina and the student, well, that was me.

I took a half-day yesterday after I drove out to Finglas in the morning to join our team which I decided to call "The Archiving Force" to have a look at boxes without a destruction date on them. We got a good bit done and finished at 12:00pm. My manager lost his patience when we started to note changes we would then do on the online archiving system. It was taking too long and the place was very cold, especially when you were just standing around, taking notes and I was already wearing mittens - okay, fingerless, but as long as the pulse line is covered, your hands stay warm. Had to revert my statement after this exercise. In short, he suggested to take pictures, so I took out my mobile phone and started photographing them. An exercise that would have taken us at least an hour to do on paper, was done 15 minutes. There you go,  1 : 0 for our ever improving technogoly and smart phones.

Afterwards, I got the next train from Skerries to town. I brought the car back to the train station when the train just had arrived. Parking was already paid by phone (BIG thanks to parkbytext.ie, makes everything so much easier and you don't get clamped) so I ran and got into town before 1:30pm. Went straight to college to get my passwords sorted out. I was about to pull my hair out the last week when I couldn't log in from home, despite the fact I knew my passwords. They did a reset for me and since then it's smooth sailing getting into all the systems and downloading material lecturers leave for us on Blackboard, which is our online classroom forum/sharing point.

I went for a nice stroll around Dublin city centre, got lunch at the student rate which saved me €0.50 (not a lot but better than nothing and the Thai Noodle portion was big, if not huge). I had a look in a few book shops, bought a nice pair of tights which I will wear at our Christmas party and a lace hand fand - which I was looking for last year. I went into 20 shops last year and nobody could sort me out. So finally, a new shop in the George's Arcade had them and I can call myself lucky: apparently they sell them very quickly and they have problems getting stock in. Will post a picture at some stage.

Later on, I met Tina and we went for food in Nandos:

Nando's, around Wicklow Street/South William Street and they are obsessed with Chicken dishes.

Was very yummy and we got the drinks for free (student card works here as well).

Now, I am coming back to the non-student part. I wanted to watch the match: Germany vs. Ireland that took place in the Aviva Stadium in Landsdown Road. When I mentioned it to her, she convinced me to go to "The Pav" which is the student bar in Trinity College. At first, I wanted to go into any pub, have a small beer and watch the match, but she was very persuasive to go to the student bar. So I went, which was good in the end, because ...

I got some free eye candy. LOL!

This is how the museum looks at night, where they have the "Book of Celts" exhibition.

Well, what can I say: I left the game early. It was around 70 minutes into the game when I decided to go. It was so bad and I didn't want to be on the same train as all the disappointed Irish fans and supporters. And they were defeated 6 : 0, I would call that collateral damage, they were destroyed. Felt so sorry for them.

One thing I have to admit: I was cheering for the Irish, as I found out that I am German on my passport, but I am Irish in my heart. I think these things happen when you are living abroad for such a long time ...

9th October 2012 - One and a half good news

Okay, weird title but let me explain it. The first is really good news and the second is nice and I am not sure how advantages yet.

Number 1: I am in my third week of college now and we were told that the seventh week of the Michaelman's term (Trinity uses this expression to sum up the weeks of lectures before Christmas, Hillary term is used for the weeks after Christmas and before the study and exam weeks -  those last few weeks then are referred to as Trinity week) ... *breathe* ... would be off. No lectures. I was playing with the idea to go home for that week to do the reading at home. Well, as it happens Aerlingus have deals on at the moment and I booked myself a flight home for 2nd November (Friday) returning Sunday 11th. Price was reasonable at €110 and I will travel with hand luggage only. Aerlingus are pretty good when it comes to hand luggage and they normally allow two small bags: one small suitcase for the overhead locker @ 10 kg and a smaller handbag or smallish rucksack. Somehow I will manage that. And its only three and half weeks until takeoff. Flight times are also very decent.

Number 2: Right, this one is a bit odd. Somehow my name fell during the break and the class has elected me as class president. Felt a bit overwhelmed by it. People said I would be a good choice. Just wondered what would have happened if I had been at the "little meeting". I needed to go to the loo during the break so I didn't really leave the room. Anyhow, it is nice to learn that I am trusted with this task (for real or not - just hope this is not one of those hoaxes). At least I will be given a list of email addresses, so this must be real. Nobody seemed to be too keen to take on the task, as it means I will be sitting in the Student Union meetings.

I have a few slight doubts about this which is why I called this the "half" good news. It's good news and it's nice, I just hope it will work out itself.

6th October 2012 - Not quite as I planned

Last night didn't go as planned. We had originally intented to go to the Oktoberfest in the IFSC on Thursday from work but it was canceled. So the guys in worked decided to go out last night - which meant I didn't go to the pottery class.

We went out for a few drinks in the Olde Punchbowl again and then got a taxi to go to the IFSC. I took a lovely shot of the Dublin sky when we crossed the bridge.

Dublin City Centre, at around 7:30pm local time.

It looks so pretty.

We then crossed the road and got to the IFSC, at the Cheque Building. We had decided to get to the tent section but were put off when we saw the queue and the amount of people that were already in.

This area of the IFSC is actually covered by water but every time we have something there, they somehow pump it empty and cover it up. Then the people come in and build everything up.

We stayed outside, got beer and got something I haven't eaten in a good while - a German Bratwurst and ...

Muzen!!! Or Schmalzkuchen as they were sold as. Most people selling food were Germans which was very helpful after a few beers. Stephen was so nice to keep his hand still so that I could take a decent picture of them. The guys were a bit surprised with all the icing sugar. The guy who sold them to me put a few into the paper bag, put the icing sugar on top, put more Muzen in and finished with even more icing sugar. They were hot and tasted delicious, like homemade and they were fresh!!!

One thing was a bit odd though:

Not quite sure what Chorizo has to do with the Oktoberfest. And they weren't even the real deal. Miquel, a Spanish colleague of mine who joined us, had a look and just choked his head. Well, I was happier with my Bratwurst anyway.

We had a very nice evening. I couldn't drive home so I had to leave the car at the station. I was just delighted to see that it was still there when I went for my train into train this morning.

I did a bit of shopping today. I took a later train than intended as I got to bed pretty late. Today was the first time I got a real bargain with my student card:

Got 15% off my new boots. instead of €55 I only paid €46.75. Was very delighted with myself and I can even wear thick socks in them and the thick sole will be good against the Irish rainy weather.

Going to watch TV now. The gym made my legs really rubbery. I really enjoyed the machines in the gym. They are a bit more advanced and there is more choice. Today was the first time I could actually make good use of them. Will go to bed early today.

4th October 2012 - 2nd week of college

Today is the first time I actually feel that college is tiring me out. I woke up this morning and I could barely keep my eyes open. On Wednesday I felt like a bouncy castle - probably (had to check the spelling on this word, it looked wrong to me) because I had coffee in the morning and there is a simple equation for that: Tired Nadine + coffein = Bouncy Castle-mode, incl. random thoughts (mostly coming out loud without contence - they just burst out of me and I annoy people with it because they can't follow my train of thought and find it impossible to follow), rapid eye-movement, sudden topic changes and TONS (!) and I mean T O N S (!!!) of new ideas.

At the moment, I am working on this big (!) Powerpoint Presentation and so far the presentation has benefited from my overtired mood/spirit/whatever - at least on the creative side as in: pictures to use, what to present and how. Today, my head almost plonked on the keyboard in work. And as a dear colleague very wisely said: "This happens when you study at night - suddenly you have to use your brain (which makes you tired)." Not that I am not using my brains in work, but ... well it's different ... my brain gets differently challenged.

Many of you are possibly asking yourselves now: Why is she still on her laptop at this time of night, posting on her blog, saying she cannot sleep? Well, here are some gathered thoughts:

1. A dear friend of mine enjoys the posting frequence - thanks, keul3, will try my best to keep it up.
2. Once I am home, it's about 22:15 Irish time - which means I had an adrenaline rush and possible three large cups of coffee, so I don't feel tired (at the moment at least)
3. As a result of no. 2, I find it hard to fall asleep cause I am full of energy (well, this something I keep telling myself)
4. Our lecturers are very good and post updates and handouts on our TCD Blackboard system and I am afraid to forget to download it
5. I am looking forward to put a bit of lavender essential oil on my pillows: that pretty much then knocks me out

Googled this picture and I couldn't find it at first. The sticker on my bottle looks different too. Bought a bottle of this a good while ago but lucky me it does not expire. I spent good money on it and it's my secret tip at the moment if you are having problems sleeping. Also keeps insects out - and everyone knows I hate spiders (okay, arachnites, I get it).

I will show my presentation to my boss tomorrow. Let's see what the result is. I also will do my first pottery class. I was better with my money this week than I thought which actually means I am better organised than I think. Therefore, I will go to one of the pottery classes tomorrow evening: either at 6:00pm or 7:30pm and it's only a fiver if you are a student. Love my student card. There are a good few discounts available all around the college.

Will try to fall asleep now. Night, night!

29th September 2012 - Passed the NCT test, but ...

Yeah, I am really annoyed with it!
I drove up to Drogheda this morning to get my car checked and the NCT (National Car Test) done (this is equivalent to the German TÜV). I emptied my boot and an elderly neighbour was so nice to help me with removing the tyre caps. Happily I made my way to Drogheda, only stopping in Balbriggan to get air for the tyres and a bit more petrol as I was running low.

I got a bit lost in the Business Park where the centre is held. I show a picture of the test centre here. A colleague said that this would be normal - somebody giving you directions somewhere and for whatever reasons a pub is involved (don't remember seeing it actuallay).

Drogheda NCT Centre - can be found on their website.

Once I actually arrived, it all went very quick. I watched my princess car getting poked and pulled, while other people got their test results. My heart sunk deeper when I heard things such as "leaking exhaust" and "too high emissions". I was praying my car didn't have any problems as the test fee is €55 and a re-test, under the circumstances they find anything - costs you another €22. Well, my car got through, no problems what so ever until ...

"There are no e-marks (something to do with an EU regulation) on your tyres, I can only find Japanese scribbeling on the them. You need to get them replaced (all of them!!!) within 30 days, re-test will be free of charge ..."

NEW TIRES!!! Just because my car is an import. Heavy hearted I went to the next car tyre dealer just around the corner and yes - because there are no e-marks on them, I needed them replaced as my current ones would be considered junk and would go for recycling immediately. I was a bit in a shock, especially as the payment for the college has kicked in. It cost me €200 for a set of four!!! I almost started crying.

Well, I am home now - with my passed NCT certificate, €200 lighter. Really annoyed, especially as I don't feel a difference. But at least they will keep me a while and I had the slight feeling that either the front or rear left tyre had a puncture. There was almost no air in the rear one before I drove to Drogheda. At least I was able to go Aldi for a change and got my shopping done. Now I am enjoying a late lunch while composing this post. I also had to wait after I got the tyres replaced as the NCT centre closes from 12:45pm to 1:35pm for lunch - I just missed them by five minutes!!! I had plans to go to Trinity College and go to the library but it was too late when I came home and now it's almost 4:00pm

I enjoyed my colleague's retirement party yesterday and got home quite late, it was almost midnight as the train was delayed.

I took a picture of the cake I organised for him through our staff canteen:

Blackforest Gateau - his favourite

And we went for drinks afterwards in "The Olde Punchbowl" pub in Booterstown.

The Olde Punchbowl, Booterstown, Co. Dublin

Now, I will spend some time with VB.net. I still have to download the application from Microsoft. Hope that doesn't take too long ...

27th September 2012 - My first week in college

I survived my first week in college and so far I really enjoy it. The class is very mixed, with about 40 people. We are about 8 or 9 girls, the rest is blokes - and most seem to be married. Such a pity, some of them are really nice and good looking. And they have the right age. But, well, will keep searching :-). But at least I am meeting some new people, everyone with their own personal background. I found out that is has become easier to talk to people - at least I find it easier.

Our first lecture didn't take place. The lecturer is external and messed up on the weeks. According to another lecturer Trinity only recently changed the timetable. It used to be eight weeks before Christmas which puts the start date to the middle of October. Now we have eleven weeks before Christmas which gives us a better change to get through the curriculum.

On Wednesday we had our first lecture in Visual Basic, using Visual Studio 2010. We were asked to download the Express application from the Microsoft webpage which I still have to do. Hope to be able to do that tomorrow or sometime during the weekend. We received a lecture on the basics and went to the computer lab afterwards. I really enjoyed the lecture and was able to do some basic programming by creating a form with buttons and some basic commands. It's a pity everybody in work is telling me that it would be better if we were taught C# (Sharp) instead. I decided to ignore their words because I like VB - at the moment. I seem to be a person that thinks she can conquer the world of programming after only one lecture.

I worked up my notes after the class on my netbook while going home on the train and I loved it. Got everything done by the time I reached Skerries. This morning I converted my notes into PDF and put them on my MicroSD for my tablet. And again, I love it and it's working perfectly!

Tonight we had the first lecture on Web Design and Development. The speaker is very good and easy to listen to, despite the fact that it took him ages to get the technology working - not his fault though and he knows the IT Crowd series. He had a lot of stories to tell that somehow always had something to do with his class - either web-related or a principle demonstrated with a real life experience. I found that very good. He also handed out his keynotes which he gave as a PowerPoint presentation. Saves me the writing! He also loves our online blackboard. It gets us into using it too, I figure.
Afterwards we got a task that we needed to solve in groups, looking for "gatherer" and "hunter" groups that are not addressed by either Google or Ryanair. It really got our brains working and we ended up finishing as the last group. We have the slight feeling that we put too much thought into it, in instead of coming up with ideas.

Once I am home and have the time I need to complete a brain test which will determine the dominant side of our brain. Really curious about that now. Have no idea what I am, only assuming I have a good balance between them with the analytical side (apparently left) and my creative side (which is supposed to be the right side of the brain). I then have to submit the result to my lecturer and according to the results we will be put into a group consisting of two people - to make sure both the artistic and the analytical criteria are met for the design work. Will post the results here too.
A colleague is retiring tomorrow and we are having a celebration in the office with cake and a speech. After work, we will go out for a few drinks.

Hope to be in Skerries soon. I am exhausted. But at least my cold is almost gone. Hate being sick.