This and that

[angela_o]

I've been busy doing freelance projects and haven't had much inclination to post lately. Perhaps it's the heat. It saps initiative on a prodigious scale. But, I did manage to finish another book. #66 is Crescent by Diana Abu-Jaber. Somewhat reminiscent of Like Water for Chocolate in that food is one of the central organizing motifs of the book and there are some elements of magical realism. It's the story of a half Iraqi woman living in Los Angeles and the cast of offbeat characters who surround her. It's also a meditation on what it means to have left one's country as several of the characters have emigrated from various Middle Eastern locales. An interesting book.

Now, to my dilemma. As some of you know, my dad is from Ireland. He's going home for a family wedding at the end of September and my mother is going with him. It will be her first time visiting as well. I'm toying with the idea of going with them. I can use miles to get the ticket, but will have to pay for my lodging and food. I probably shouldn't spend the money, but have always wanted to go. I've contacted a couple of B&B's in Kinsale and they have availability. So, my question to you is, do you think I should go?

Comments

[marcolette.livejournal.com]

My two cents: If you can swing the cost with a little effort, I'd say this sounds like an opportunity not to be missed. You'll always be able to go to Ireland later, once the kids are older, etc., but you'll never be able to replicate the experience of sharing it with your dad, especially combined with a family event like that. Go!! :-D

[angela-o.livejournal.com]

The idea of sharing the trip with my parents was definitely the deciding factor. I booked the tickets a little while ago, so I'm going to do it. :)

How are you? Has the heat been affecting Seattle as well? My m-i-l said that it was horrible in Portland there for a while. It's sad when it's cooler in NC than it is in the Pacific Northwest. *shakes head over the vagaries of the weather* The fact that Ireland is cool and green is another big selling point right now.

[marcolette.livejournal.com]

I'm doing pretty well. I was in Portland last weekend and it was in the 90s and 100s the whole time. Just sweltering when nobody has air-conditioning and everybody is accustomed to cooler temps!! But my apartment in Seattle is a partial basement, so I stay nice and cool here. How about where you are? Is it possible to go outside, or are you just bouncing from AC to AC?

Things are mostly going well, although I've spent most of this week helping a friend handle the fact that this guy (friend of my family) has become fixated on her. It's all awkward and uncomfortable, and we're treating him the way all stalker-victim sites suggest you do in order to be cautious and try to put a quick end to it, but I just want it all to go away right NOW.

And one wonders why I find such solace in fiction!! ;-)

[angela-o.livejournal.com]

I can't imagine tempertures in high double and low triple digits without air conditioning. Even when you accustomed to the heat, it's still enervating. I'm glad that you have respite from the heat in your apartment. It's pretty hot here, but luckily air condition is de rigeur. My contention is that air conditioning is evidence of a benevolent God. :)

Sorry to hear of the creepy interpersonal situation. The fact that you know the guy must make it that much more uncomfortable. When you know someone, you somehow feel some degree of responsibility, even though you know intellectually that's ludicrous. I hope the situation resolves itself soon.

Is dS fiction still your escape of choice? I've been wandering the universe with Whofic lately. :)

[tasyfa.livejournal.com]

I booked the tickets a little while ago, so I'm going to do it. :)

Yay! (It helps when I read the comments before bursting in with an opinion, eh? hee)