Bending the Rules

In this world there's certain rules we must follow in order to keep the peace. But sometimes, we feel desperately tempted to 'bend' these rules... do the unexpected.
Honestly, you're not the only one who has fantisised about breaking these rules...

• Skip a queue you've been standing in for over 2 hours

• Press every single button in a lift just to see what might happen

• Go to the shop in your underwear because you can't be bothered to get dressed

• Swim in a bath of chocolate

• Drive through every single red traffic light 

• Fail all your exams

• Punch someone - anyone- straight in the face

• Stare at a security guard as you touch a priceless painting

• Deal with a loud person on public transport by grabbing their phone and throwing it out the window.

• Run across a table and smash every piece of china and glass 

• Scream at the top of your voice when someone is annoying you

• Eat like your stomach is a bottomless pit.

• Run around a supermarket and clear every shelf of its contents

• Kick down a door

• Walk out without paying for your dinner at a restaurant 

• Fake your own death

Yes, we would all love to attempt these reckless acts, and maybe, just maybe... someday you'll manage a few without loosing you're reputation completely...!

#StudyLovin

Perched outside an exam centre for the past few days, I've witnessed students frantically emptying their brain of every piece of knowledge they posses. Some falling into the prison of stress more than others. There was even those few who thought it would be ideal to take a trip to the bathroom during their Irish aural... The CD doesn't stop for anyone.

There's no doubt that I've started to muse over my own future prospects for the Leaving Cert (Well, I've so much time I don't have anything else to think about!) You and I will both agree, the Leaving Cert is two years of your life you've simply wasted. In five years time, you probably won't even remember how many points you achieved.

One huge issue I have with the Leaving Cert is the content. I mean the exams alone are depressing enough without studying about women who committed suicide! Let's take 'An Triail' for example. I agree that students must understand the horrific hypocrisy and suffering of society in Ireland during the 1960's, but this young girl Maire just gave up on life.She killed herself and her newborn baby. Honestly what are we supposed to learn from that - when the going gets tough...give up?

We must not forget the work of Emily Dickinson and Sylvia Plath. Don't get me wrong, I love reading their intense poetry, full of rich imagery and a deep sense of emotional confusion. With that said however, sometimes I'm really not in the mood to scrutinize Plath's despair and depression. We spend a considerable amount of time spurting out flowery sentences - "The Bay of the Dead in the poem 'Finnistere' sends Plath into a deep depression." Personally, simply reading that poem sends me into a pit of despair. Is it really necessary to study this extensive amount of dreary material?

No doubt there was a shocking moment during a history class this year when the students were unable to list out the previous Presidents of Ireland. The Leaving Cert may teach you how to write a perfect 'Comparative essay' or the various formulas for the same maths problem, but it definitely fails to deal with daily life. Who can honestly say that they ever needed to use complex numbers after they left school? (unless you're studying maths of course) They don't exist for a reason!! In my opinion, as a citizen of your own country, you need to know who your president is! As I read through the captivating autobiography of Mary Robinson (book review), I have realised the significant impact she had on the people of Ireland. As president she fought for many of the rights  we take for granted today. We learn very little about politics in school and as a result young people have lost interest in their power to vote. Turning 18 in today's society allows many privileges, but voting isn't the number one priority.

However much I may complain about the Leaving Cert there's absolutely no avoiding it at this stage. I'm on the road to melting my brain with endless amounts of information and turning into a professional hermit!

   

Adventures Over Summer

As I now enter into the last two weeks of school, the last stretch of the track, I have started to think about summer... (A dangerous idea when I'm trying to do exams!) I'm utterly determined to fill my weeks with crazy activities and exhilarating ideas! After a strenuous year glued to a study desk, I'm simply living for that final day of exams...

Below is a short list of the crazy adventures I'm going to embark on over the summer. Hopefully you'll be able to pick up a few ideas...

Go on an adventure:  I'm planning to hop on my bicycle with my friends this summer and roam the countryside. Who knows where we might end up! But never forget, no matter where you decide to adventure NEVER forget to bring a supply of chocolate and sweets!

Have a movie night: I'm going to gather together all my friends (and free my house of family members) and watch a summer movie. I'm pretty sure we'll need to hike a mountain after all the food we eat!

 Have a picnic in a tree: Find a tree. Climb it. Have a picnic with my friends. Simple as...

Blare music: I've often found myself breaking the sound barrier when I'm alone. Nothing beats blasting your speakers and dancing like a crazy fool!

Swim in the rain: In Ireland we're well known for our crazy notions during the summer; a BBQ in 15 degree temperatures, hitting the beach in gale force winds. We seem to think once the calender reaches June it's time to take out the shorts and t-shirts. So, let's carry on the tradition and take it that one step further; swim in the pouring rain...

Buy a hammock: Tie it between two trees and fall asleep under the sun.  

Write a note: I'd love to write little notes to my friends and post them through their letter boxes. Everybody loves opening a letter and nowadays there's something truly special about it.

Take photos: I'm planning to take lots of photos as I enjoy the summer weather (wow i'm optimistic, after all this is Ireland we're talking about)

Make this summer memorable. Don't wait until August to start your adventures...

Farewell To A Legend

Last Saturday night was the final farewell to two Leinster Rugby legends in the RDS (even though they're playing there again this Saturday night!) Never again will we find two such talented players as Brian O'Driscoll and Leo Cullen.

Spanning out on a 16 year career as a professional, Brian O'Driscoll is widely regarded as one of the best centres of all time. During this time, O'Driscoll has 141 Test Caps and is the highest try scorer of all time in Irish Rugby. Although, at this stage we've been saying goodbye to Brian O'Driscoll for the past year, which you might say is a bit ridiculous... But honestly, there's no other way to say goodbye to a man who has shaped Irish rugby forever.

Sometimes it's very hard to comprehend the fact that he's leaving and this 'Long Farewell' won't continue for another year or two! After winning the Six Nations this year, crowds went wild as they basked in the glory and happiness. Knowing that it would be the last time we saw Brian in a green jersey, the Irish were ecstatic to see him end on such a high note.

Below is a video from Rugby HQ outlining BOD's top 5 moments in his career...

However, with all the focus on O'Driscoll it was a shock to discover that Leo Cullen was also hanging up the boots at the end of this season. A true leader of Leinster rugby, he led the squad to numerous momentous wins over the past few years. As O'Driscoll himself stated; allowing other players to lift the trophy when it was Leo's to hold.

Attending the Leinster - Edinburgh match last Saturday the crowd screamed as Leo almost scored a try. As we all know, Cullen has scored a total of 4 tries in his career. In a recent interview by Des Cahill he was asked which try was the best, laughing he replied 'Such a blur I dunno...' In reality, the tries are irrelevant to the man who drove Leinster forward on so many days, when all they wanted to do was give up.

It's truly hard to imagine the future generations who will never witness the true power of these two heroes. They are legends of their time.

#Thankslads

#SpontaneousLiving

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” (Eleanor Roosevelt)

We've all felt it; that electrifying sensation of living on the edge. Spontaneously deciding to take a trip somewhere or simply daring to do something that terrifies you, sparks a sense of adventure within every single one of us. Don't get me wrong, I'm not implying that everyone should jump off a cliff tomorrow, but a little excitement can really make you feel alive. I've often admired my friend for her spontaneous personality. At this stage I've completely lost count of how many times she has decided at the last minute to go to a concert or hop on a train somewhere. At least I know now that wherever she leads me, I will never anticipate where we land (I'm convinced we'll end up in Honolulu someday!).

Winning tickets to a concert last week, (two hours before it started!) I hopped on the next train into town without even thinking twice about it. People often say you can't beat the thrill of a long build up to an event, but nothing compares to an unplanned journey. There's no time to wonder and worry about what might happen. There's no chance for you to change your mind. It turned out to be an amazing concert in aid of Barretstown, to raise money in order to fund their camps for children with serious illnesses and their families. (www.barretstown.org) The incredible musicians Paddy Casey, The Riptide Movement, The Hot Sprockets, The Stunning and many more, performed an unforgettable concert. Although, I can't forget the fact that I almost managed to get into the Olympia as a photographer. A moment when I still regret not saying 'yes' to the ticket man...

We live in a world of #'s, 'selfies' and snap chatting. We no longer live in an era when 'tweeting' is simply the sound of a bird, or a 'post' is something you receive through your letterbox. At this stage it's impossible to live anonymously or act like an idiot without half the world finding out. Pictures spread like the swine flu and soon enough a kangaroo in Australia is hopping past your face plastered onto a billboard. I personally don't take comfort in the thought that one moment of foolishness will be forever branded on your forehead. Old photographs can be burned or hidden from preying eyes, but social media remains alive even when you try to delete it.

I truly believe the more chances you take in life, the less afraid you are. Soon enough, those ideas you once avoided become a daily challenge you're willing to face head first. I mean, of course you're scared of sky diving but why not give it a go! You never know where you'll end up! (Probably in the Atlantic) How many times have you backed out of something as a result of terror or fear of the unknown? But that's exactly it, 'the unknown!' Nobody knows where you might end up. Nobody can tell the future. I can guarantee that ninety percent of you fear has been created entirely in your mind, (half of which is probably ridiculous) various circumstances and events that 'might possibly maybe' happen.

Admit it, you've written a 'bucket list', which you intend to live and breathe by. You have set yourself tasks... travel to India... work for a charity... save a dolphin! I honestly worry sometimes about human imagination. If you're planning to write a bucket list at least make it worthwhile, put something absolutely impossible onto it, set your goals high and adventure to the end of the world. Don't for one minute believe that just because it seems unreasonable for some people, you can't achieve it.

I don't know about you, but I plan to continue living a spontaneous life (with the help of my friend) Rushing out at the last moment to catch a train, bus, helicopter or submarine, my hair piled up on top of my head carrying my shoes with a piece of toast in my mouth. Hopefully I won't regret the 'selfie' I quickly snap, that will more than likely appear on my Facebook news feed on my birthday...

Who are You, to Judge Me?

“Who are you to judge the life I live? I know I'm not perfect - and I don't live to be - but before you start pointing fingers... make sure your hands are clean!” (Bob Marley)

It has been said that we, as humans, make our first initial impression of someone in the first eight seconds that we glance at them; the clothes they wear, the colour of their hair, the way they walk or simply what they might say. However, even though that might be true... it's not acceptable. Who are we to judge another person, when we ourselves are far from perfect?

'Don't judge a book by it's cover,' a saying known the world over, but yet still ignored by all. I ask you, what use is it preaching an overused cliche, if you have no intention living by it yourself? I'm not going to lie, I judge people, everyone does! It's not intentional and I don't wake up every morning ready to judge every person I happen to cross paths with. We slot people into categories, and live by a status quo set out by generations before us. Higher, middle and lower class society, each judged for their status in society; the rich look down at the poor in disgust and the poor look down at the rich in hatred.

Although, we can also say that we judge others as a result of jealousy and envy. Unhappy in our own skin we seek the opinions of others and live the way others advice us to. That's not a life! That's not creating your own dreams and fighting to make them a reality. People often judge others to convince themselves they are better, more sophisticated, or whatever else they might conjure up in their mind. A sense of false security is created, and they have no understanding as to why they judge every person who they meet.

However, let me share with you the hidden secret of judgement. After every eye

has examined your appearance and every mind has come to their conclusion, you can smile and be one hundred per cent positive that you have been judged incorrectly. You might walk around with crazy blue hair, and people avoid your company, but only you know that you have sacrificed and somebody else has been given a new life. You might find it difficult to feel comfortable around certain people, people who might call you dry and boring, but once you're in the company of friends nothing will stop you from dancing like nobody is watching. So, the next time you notice somebody judge you in the street, smile at them, I can guarantee you, that one smile will throw them completely off guard.

Judgement has been used as a lethal weapon on numerous occasions. It has destroyed reputations in a matter of seconds, some that have been built up on years of hard work and sacrifice. The only way we can overcome this issue is pure human power. We can achieve anything if we simply convince ourselves of it. So, the next time you start to judge somebody, remember that they are also judging you. Remind yourself that appearances are not always what they seem to be, and you will never truly be able to judge somebody until you know them personally.

So, use your appearance to your advantage. Everybody is going to judge you anyway, so give them something worth looking at. Make them create some ludicrous story about you, but only you know who you really are and no amount of judgement can change you. 

2k14 Fashion Fiesta

'Are you really going out in THAT?' Those are usually the last words we hear as the front door slams behind us. That one recurring statement parents seems to prattle at every given opportunity without fail. Every teenager, throughout the history of time, has hit a point in their life when they feel that spark of rebellion kick in. That moment when they cause their dad to gain a bald spot and their mother...to turn into their own mother! We attempt to convince ourselves that they'll never notice those six extra piercings hanging out of our lips, ears and nose. Or, maybe they'll just ignore those ten inch stilettos we shuffle out the door in. It never happens. Ninety percent of the time we're hit by a barrage of rifle fire and shelling, that cause wounds so deep we dare not risk another trip to the front line. 'It wasn't like that in our day!' another famous line rehearsed over several generations. There is no denying the fact that society has rapidly developed over the past few years, especially in the area of fashion.

Exploring through the past, fashion has made a major impact on the development of our world. From the start of time fashion has been an instrument of individuality, protest, creativity and expression. Young people have led the way in new fashion trends for centuries, combining various looks and creating extravagant styles. Women in particular, have the ability to express themselves through their clothing. From 18^th Century gowns to 21^st Century miniskirts, it seems women felt the need to flash more flesh as the years rolled by. Before the First World War, women never dreamt of wearing trousers, but as they were called to the factories, they discovered the magic of moving freely without the wind blowing around their knees. No matter how many centuries pass, women will always have an attraction to fashion. Honestly, who has never heard the expressions 'A woman can never have too many shoes,' or 'I don't care how much clothes I own; I have nothing to wear,’ Although, are those statements simply stereotypical? Does every woman have a desire to spend every last cent on clothing?

Young people of today's world are highly influenced by the media. Their fashion beliefs often originate from a glossy photo shopped magazine or a television screen. Brainwashed into believing shorts that barely cover your ass is the way to go, young people often lose sight of reality. They never think twice about the image they have created and instead convince themselves it's simply what everybody wears. It's not only women who follow the influence of the media, men often go around with their pants around their knees because they think it's 'cool'. I'm not sure who started that trend, but someone should have told them to buy a belt! This issue in my opinion is only getting worse as the years roll by.

People seem to be shot down no matter what they look like, so why is the world so concerned about the 'latest fashion trend'?

 What is fashion...? It is a collective opinion on a particular 'must have' trend. However, these people often forget that the human body isn't a set size. There's no such thing as a perfect body, there's no such thing as the right ass or legs or face or weight. Some people will look like they're drowning in a maxi dress and others just can't squeeze into those super fitting skinny jeans. People should realise this sooner rather than later. It seems to me that the media change their opinion on a daily basis as to how a young person should really dress; one day they're criticized over wearing a short dress the next everybody has adapted the style. It's an absolute disgrace to see such an overwhelming amount of people who think it's acceptable to demoralise each other on the basis of looks. It is not OK to publicly attack anybody.

   

Don't get me wrong! I have a strong passion for fashion and a firm supporter of Lady Gaga 'Meat Dresses’; I can't see any problem with expressing yourself through your clothes.

Sure, if you feel the need to wrap yourself up like a sausage roll fire ahead, but not all fashion trends need to be so bizarre! Fashion can be elegant and trendy without breaking the borders of nudity. As a teenager myself, I enjoy discovering the new trends that circulate the fashion world on a daily basis. One only has to search the internet or flick open the latest copy of 'Vogue', to find their dream dress. Although, for the everyday average person, the prices of High Street fashion limit you to a pair of socks. If you've ever noticed a girl in a shop holding a fashion magazine, you can almost be certain she's attempting to match a dress worth two grand with one on the sale rack. Who can blame her! Woman will always find a way when it comes to their clothes.

Young people definitely have a love for fashion; but that doesn't essentially mean they're fashionable... There will always be those teenagers who decide to defy the basic rules of fashion and are determined to stand out among the crowd. What they don't realise is this; to be noticed isn't always a good thing, especially if the clothes you've chosen are too revealing. At that point, you're being noticed for all the wrong reasons. If one wishes to survive in this world of frocks and frills, one must carefully study the following pointers.

1.       The number one rule according to my teacher, 'When wearing a dress never go high          and go low!'

2.      If you got hit by a bus... Do you really want everyone to see your underwear?

3.      Would you put that dress on, if you knew your photo would end up on a billboard?

4.      Buy a belt – no more to be said

5.      Fluorescent dresses are not cool, and never were (unless of course you want to look like a traffic cone)

6.      NEVER wear anything edible.