Knocking The Door Down

We've all felt it; that wonderful feeling that strikes you when you return to your hometown after a long period of time away. Driving through the streets you attempt to notice any differences... 'Oh look at that tree it's grown half an inch' or 'The beach has more rocks on it than ever before'. In reality nothing has made a drastic change, but we all like to believe it has. A town is made up of a basic structure – a sprawl of houses, jammed with lunatic families who know everything about everyone. The neighbourhood where you grew up also has some sort of sentimental value to it, you as an inhabitant can rant about it for hours...but if anyone else dares to say one bad word about your 'Happy Hollow' all hell breaks loose.

We all know our neighbours, don't we? Sure they might drive you through the wall, but they've always been there when you need a helping hand (or when you need a hairdryer because your one just 'accidently' exploded in your hand) For some, it is essential to know that you are safely tucked between two happy houses full of happy people. Each house lined along a perfectly pot-hole free road, blossoming with roses of every colour with tiny birds singing in the tree tops...Yeah right! Of course that's what it looks like to us. My dad was in the States recently, he recalled to me how he had left his car on a quiet road wondering if it would be safe there. The man accompanying him said 'Everyone looks after each other around here.' Is that the difference between country and city life? The city is full of strangers who wouldn't even notice if you moved in next door and the countryside is bursting with folks who never leave your house!

I know there will be some of you who completely disagree with me. Who can honestly say that they know their neighbours? As the saying goes 'Nobody knows what happens behind closed doors.' I'm sure we've all wondered about that mystery man on the corner who never seems to be outside during daylight hours or the woman who always seems to be full of the joys of the Lord every waking moment. I'm sure it's just my wild imagination hungry for adventure, but there's no denying the fact that not all neighbours want to be an active part of the community. Some would simply prefer to keep to themselves, that doesn't essentially mean they're bad neighbours. I often feel pity for these lonely people, branded with a derogatory name which rapidly spreads across the town. Maybe instead of traipsing around town in a flashy car you could afford during the boom, visit that lonely neighbour who might just be too proud to ask for help!

Admit it, everyone has at some point in their life wished they lived on the same road as 'Boo Radley' from 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. That neighbourhood always seemed to be bursting with life and excitement. Who wouldn't want to get chased off a porch by a man with a shot gun who has every intention of blowing your head off? Now don't get me wrong, I wouldn't be thrilled by the thought of having a murderer living next door, but the odd turmoil of excitement would be greatly appreciated.

Another important factor of neighbourhood life, is the personality of each individual house tightly ridged onto that one street, so confined you can hear one another breathe! I'm confident that every person who reads this has the ability to label each house on their street accordingly. Every neighbourhood has; a baker, a family house, that old couple who always seem to be old, the lady with a gang of cats, the mystery man (who stares as you walk past), a house on the corner that you never even knew existed before, the party house, the haunted rickety shack and the music house. Studying this extensive list I begin to wonder how I would characterise my own house. After a lot of consideration I have officially tagged it the 'Music House' (and I'd be fairly confident our neighbours can vouch for that...) The tinkling of piano keys, sweet strumming of a guitar or sounds of a voice singing along to a well known tune radiate from our house ninety percent of the time. I'm not going to lie though, sometimes that piano playing can become a little violent, the guitar amp is often so loud the floor vibrates and somebody might just get a little too excited about hearing a song and break the sound barrier. One must find a happy medium in these situations and maybe playing the bass guitar along to a song blasting from two amps is pushing the boundaries of 'tranquil neighbouring'.

So, I hear you ask,what are the crucial steps to being a good (nosey) neighbour? I suppose there is no correct answer to this long debated question. Neighbours come and go, but it's always important to make them feel welcome during the time they live in your area. Some say being a good neighbour is about looking after each other and simply being pleasant. After all, you see these people everyday of your life so there's really no point causing a dispute over something ridiculous. You often hear stories about long generational arguments between neighbours that originated from a tiny misunderstanding, which eventually shot completely out of proportion. This is a horrific position to be in, there's no doubt you would be conscious about stepping outside your own front door. The best story I heard lately was about a dispute that originated over a fence. It had been built one metre into the neighbours property and sparks were sent flying. Revenge was achieved when Halloween came around and their fence 'accidently' ended up in the bonfire... You can only imagine what happened after that!

The truth about it is this; if you want to survive in your neighbourhood, be a friendly neighbour. I leave you know with a few points to consider. If by some crazy chance the following list seems too familiar to you...watch your back!

What not to do:

1. Blare music at three in the morning – not cool
2. Cause a row over fence boundaries
3. Park in front of someone's driveway
4. Give someone food the dog ate half of
5. Smash a window with a ball and blame the quiet kid
6. Have a party every Saturday that causes houses to quake in their foundations
7. Stare in your neighbours window when you think they're not looking
8. Ring the doorbell and run away because you think it's absolutely hilarious

However, if you plan to be the world's worst nosey neighbour...do all of the above and you're on the path of success!

21st Century Perfection

 There is absolutely no denying the fact that lately, the subject of the status of women in today's society has raised many questions in my mind. Growing up I never felt indifferent to the male; we eat and drink the same food, sit the same exams and play the same sports... So why at this point in my life have I noticed the stark differences between us? 

Reading an intriguing article the other day, my eyes have definitely been cleared on issues faced by women in the music industry. (Hot Press Article - Lily Allen 'It's hard out here for a bitch') Lily Allen expresses her frustration on the pressures put on woman in today's world, and how one must stand their ground if they wish to remain 'decent'. She describes a strong woman 'to be forceful, assertive, interesting and an unapologetic female,' in response to an article published by the Daily Mail on 'the ups and downs of her ever-changing figure'. Women in the music world, get verbally scrutinized and criticized on a daily basis, if it's not Twitter or Facebook spreading the abuse, it's newspapers and magazines. The media feel it's their 'responsibility' to share with the world their opinion on a single individual. 

Although, it's not just the 21st century women who are being judged. Women have always been regarded as the lesser of the human species. They were ignored and degraded by society, forbidden to give their opinion on any matters concerning their own lives. If they should dare stray away from the status-quo, they were immediately judged and stereotyped. Take for example Mary Anne Evans, better known as 'George Eliot', she was one of the leading writers of the Victorian era, but used a male pen name to ensure her work would be read. Similar to the Bronte sisters who also published their work under male names. Many woman in today's world admire the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn, but they too were stabbed and demolished by society. Their views on how a woman should act and live were inspirational and yet society chose to concentrate on their body and image rather than what they had to say... 'The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair'. As I was rummaging through history lately, I came across quite the shocking fact that women have been undoubtedly written out of important events. Women played a vital role in the French Resistance during World War II. However, there was absolutely no recognition of women and their involvement in the resistance prior to the 1970's. It had been regarded as a male affair, with no specific reference made to women. Women received no decorations or citations of honour until 1975. These women were the silent heroins of World War II.


Another serious debate that seems to dominate the media lately; what is considered to be a 'real woman'? This issue in my opinion is only getting worse as the years roll by. People seem to shoot down women no matter what they look like, so why is the world so concerned about the 'real woman'? There's no such thing as a perfect woman, there's no such thing as the right ass or legs or face or weight. The sooner people realise this the better. It seems to me that the media change their mind on a daily basis as to how a woman should really look; one day they're criticized for being too fat the next day hounded for being too skinny. It's an absolute disgrace to see such an overwhelming amount of people who think it's acceptable to demoralise a woman on the basis of looks. It is not OK to publicly attack anybody, let alone a woman who is already possibly uneasy about their appearance.

A woman growing up in today's society will not go down without a fight. Over the past few years women have expressed their frustration at the world from the likes of Lily Allen, Amanda Palmer, Adele to Hilary Clinton, Eleanor Roosevelt and Marilyn Monroe. Although I understand that society has come a long way, it is still evident that men have the upper status in the 21^st century world.  

Best Christmas Movies

        

One of the best ways to truly immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit is to sit back and enjoy a movie with a mug of hot chocolate and marshmallows.

After much thought, I pulled together this short list of movies that everyone should watch this Christmas.



1. Miracle on 34th Street
  Without a doubt, this movie has been my favourite Christmas movie for years. Starring Richard Attenborough as Santa Clause, the plot centers on a young girl who has doubts about the miracle of Santa. However, this all begins to change when she meets a certain jolly man himself, who shows her the true meaning of Christmas and the gift of belief. 

Trailer:  Miracle on 34th Street              



2. The Santa Clause
Christmas never passes without this movie, it's a long lasting tradition. It never fails to amuse me and I'm pretty sure I can quote the entire movie at this stage! Tim Allen stars as the man who accidentally kills Santa on Christmas Eve. Trying on the suit for size he finds himself magically recruited as the new Clause. 


Trailer: The Santa Clause

3. The Holiday
  I only discovered this movie a few years ago and I have watched it every year since. This movie must be watched with (1) your mam or close friend (2) a tin of sweets (3) a mug of hot chocolate. This movie features many much loved actors including; Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Jack Black. Two woman in an attempt to escape their troubled love life swap home's for the holidays. In doing so they both stumble across love. 

 Trailer: The Holiday


4. Home Alone
  A true Christmas classic this movie has been watched by children the world over. I do believe I once watched this on TV in July! A bit early some may say, but sometimes you just need a little Christmas. Malcaulay Culkin plays the role of an 8 year old boy who is accidentally left behind while his family fly to France for Christmas. At first he takes advantage of this wondrous opportunity, but when he must defend his home against idiotic buglars he soon realises the importance of family.

Trailer: Home Alone

Some Decent Tunes

As it is music week in my school, I thought it was only fitting to share some of my favourite music quotes and songs.
There is simply no describing how important music is to me. Music is the magical way of escaping reality, losing your thoughts and allowing yourself to sink into the sweet melody. Music always seems to perfectly describe the way I'm feeling and never fails to put me in a happy mood.

'One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain,' - Bob Marley

'I like beautiful melodies telling me terrible things.' - Tom Waits

'Pop music often tells you everything is OK, while rock music tells you that it's not OK, but you can change it.' - Bono

Iris - Goo Goo Dolls
Beautiful lyrics accompany the melody of this song. Each time I hear it, I have to stop what I'm doing and sing along.

I Want to Hold Your Hand - The Beatles
This live version of The Beatles song reminds me of their sheer power to captivate crowds of people. Their music continues to inspire musicians today.

Good Old Days - The Script
I have always enjoyed Irish bands, and recently realised that I have never been to a non-Irish gig in the O2. The Script share stories within the lyrics of their songs, and many of these are relevant to ordinary lives.

Man on the Moon - R.E.M
I've always had a love for this song, the lyrics are mesmerising. From a young age my parents and older cousins showed me the beauty of this era of music, and I haven't been able to escape it ever since.

On Top of the World - Imagine Dragons
From the very moment I heard this song, I developed an obsession for Imagine Dragons. Nothing beats dancing along to the rhythm of this song. I highly recommend it!

Fix You - Coldplay
A true Coldplay classic. I found it very difficult to pick one of their songs to share, but this one I believe has such deep emotion that I love.

The Best Day - Taylor Swift
I could never truly understand what drew me towards Taylor Swifts music. I know many people believe her songs are frivolous and all about boys, but they're not. Her songs are often relevant to life problems and the lyrics are wondrous. This song reminds me how important family is and how we must remember every single day spent together.

Leinster vs. Castres Olympique

Silence rolls through the stadium as Gopperth looms over the ball. The odd roar rings out over the stands, followed by an angry 'shush'. It's over. Cheers explode from the crowd as Leinster secure a home victory against Castres Olympique, 19 - 7.

Although Leinster won, they just don't have the same strength that they used to. Captained by Jamie Heaslip, the squad lacked the ability to break through the solid defence line built by Castres, a tactic perfected by Leinster in the past. Also, a huge amount of ball was played in the air, much to the frustration of the crowd.

In saying this, the individual players themselves performed with brilliant skill, but there was an obvious absence of unity among them. Sean O'Brian managed to turn over a considerable amount of ball, Jimmy Gopperth kicked 14 points, Cian Healy dominated the scrum along with the forwards, they won penalties on numerous occasions. The main feat of the day was when Jack McGrath scored his first Heineken Cup try.

There was a huge focus on Leinsters lengthly injury list, with the likes of O'Driscoll, Cullen, Jennings, Strauss, Tuqiri and Mike Ross dominating the concerns.  Leinster have also lost a number of vital players in the past few months, figures such as Jonny Sexton and Isa Nacewa.

Although I understand there is no 'I' in team, those legendary players definitely unite the pack and give them that drive for winning. On 26th October, the squad face Connacht. Leinster have the ability to win, their sheer skill and bullish ability create a squad with a force to be reckoned with. 

Boredom Inspiration

Sometimes boredom can result in something amazing... But most of the time one has so much time on their hands that they must do anything to release themselves from the  claustrophobic box they're in. In doing so they just might accidentally stumble across inspiration! 

Camino Days

It's safe to say that I will never look at a yellow arrow as a simple sign ever again. Spotting one in town the other day, I can't deny that I felt a serious urge to follow it! Then again, I was lacking the heavy rucksack and pilgrim shell.
Those Camino days were wondrously enjoyed.  Nothing compares to the breathtaking experience of trekking across that lustrous crispy sun kissed land. Loosing yourself in absent thoughts, falling into the soothing rhythm of your own footsteps. Many in pursuit, others that lead, every worldly nation surrounds us as we walk. A united front adventuring towards that cloudy city.
Walking with the rising sun, early morning leg cramps pulled you back beneath the sheets. The first few kilometers strapped into a two-tonne  load, lead feet destroyed by sheer agony. Gradually you sink, into the rough soles, leaving only footprints behind.
Never will I forget those we met along the Way. Many names were never discovered, but their faces won't be lost. Each individual with their own motives for walking, but all with the same destination in mind. We met people who had found each other in St. Jean pied de port and had been walking together ever since. Stories of unrequited love and the mystery woman dressed in ghostly white. The Irish Heinz Beanz cycling team, and the lone ranger who introduced us to the wonders of the Way.
I was never so relieved to see a church in my entire life when we reached Santiago de Compostela. As my Dad joked, "I've never seen so many people rushing to mass before!" Jammed into a pilgrim packed church, we were astonished to see people who had journeyed along with us, some of whom we hadn't seen in a day or two. Saying our final goodbyes, we planned to reunite in the future.
Now I'm truly determined to adventure from the very beginning. Through the snowy Pyrenees, across the desert of the Meseta and along the Way to Santiago de Compostella. Nothing beats the thrill of a Camino odyssey.