Taking the easy way out....is actually allowed!

I'm a big fan of struggling. I love hardship. Well, that's what I've deciphered from my 26 years of life choices; I rarely make things easy for myself. This year in Cork, a year of experimentation and re-invention, has opened my eyes to the boundaries I place on myself. The obstacles I have encountered to my potential success in the past are far outnumbered by those which I have created myself. Whether it's sport, college, relationships or even baking, I seem to find the most difficult way to do things, then hammer away at it until the inevitable crush of stress forces me to reassess my options. In fact, so accustomed I am to the struggle I actually don't know how to handle things when they go smoothly.

They say that identifying a problem is half the battle. Hopefully the other half is solved with chocolate chip cupcakes...

Even if they are from a packet... *gasp* :)

A Very 'Me' Day

Starting off with a 5km run o'er the hills of Cork city, and planning to finish off by baking 4 loaves of Banana Bread and a few dozen Christmas Cookies... Sounds like Me alright... I might even fit in some (more!) drinking with the Rugby girls if I finish up in the kitchen on time. Must admit I'm thoroughly enjoying my transplanting in Cork, the craic is only mighty... :)

Curse my lack of creativity!

I've tried to come up with a new blog, and failed to deliver on a sufficiently creative and witty title; hence I am admitting defeat and posting here once more... *sigh* I am currently studying in University College Cork, having made the leap from the small village to the bright lights of Cork City, and enjoying the many many (many!) advantages of this experience. Apologies for the hiatus. Normal service will resume shortly. Well, as normal as one can expect from me and my erratic posts...

Too Weak to Bake!

I'm housebound, and practically bedridden thanks to a bout of a flu-like illness.. Yes, my GP thinks it's swine flu, lucky me, getting such a fashionable illness! It's totally scuppered my plans for finishing work this week, I'd intended on ending in a blaze of baking glory. Even if I had the strength to make something I don't think I could find willing recipients for potentially infected baked goods! I'm still supposed to be moving to Cork this weekend, and just in case I thought I could push that date out a little further, I confirmed today that I start classes on Monday...

End of an Era

I watched the most amazing sunset tonight, I tried taking panoramic photos on my phone but it wasn't capable of capturing the breath-taking red and amber hues that filled the sky, you'll just have to take my word for it. It rocked. A beautiful end to a beautiful day.

Speaking of endings, I'm not fond of farewells even at the best of times, so I'm really not enjoying all the goodbyes I've had to do lately. I'd rather just move to Cork quietly, and let it all sink in after I've gone, but people seem to be insisting on letting me know how much I'll be missed. Damn them and their tear-jerking gestures.

And so, now that I've clarified that my not being a fan of farewells, it's a bit ironic (or is it hypocritical?) that I'm finishing with this blog... Yeah... I'm starting yet another one.. Or for those of who who've only seen this one, I'm starting a second one! :D I figure that it's time to let this one go, seeing as I'm not a New Market girl any more, nor will I be living in Newmarket on Fergus any more, so yeah, it's just inaccurate really. I haven't thought of a new blog title for documenting my adventures as a mature student/immature baker in Cork city, so suggestions are welcome... I could make a competition out of it.. winning suggestion gets a cupcake or something... Terms and conditions would apply of course*

*The winner must live in Ireland... near my house... and have their own transport.. and put the sprinkles on it themselves...