Sweet Memories

It's fascinating how a specific taste can take you back to one moment in time that you had long since forgotten. 

I was 7 years old when we moved to America for a year. That was where I experienced the taste of Tootsie Roll for the first time, and I haven't had that taste since then. Last week I was offered a small piece of Tootsie Roll. And as soon as I put it in my mouth, so many memories came flooding back. It was nice. :)

I remembered the summer that I read every single Nancy Drew book. They scared me so much that I couldn't even go to the bathroom alone, but I was hooked. 

I remembered the only Christmas we ever spent without our extended family. And I remembered how we celebrated Christmas all over again with them in February when we returned home. :) 

I remembered my own experience of 9/11, and how at that age I had no idea how serious it was. Or how close we were to it. 

I remembered other foods we used to eat that we couldn't get when we returned home to Ireland. 

My obsession with Mary Kate and Ashley. 

Attending an American elementary school.

Starting my collection of Beanie Babies.

Yes, the sense of taste is an incredible thing. I was able to take a wonderful trip down memory lane all because of one little piece of Tootsie Roll.

Love always,

Orla

Someday

Have you ever just felt that you were meant to do something? Not because someone told you you should, or because society expects it of you. But because in your heart, nothing could seem more natural to you? 

 

I think I have always known that I was meant to be a mother. When I was little, baby dolls were always my favourite toy. As I got older, I was always fascinated by new babies, and I spent every second I could with them. I always loved the younger kids, and when I was finally allowed to babysit I just thought it was the coolest thing ever! I still do, babysitting is one of my favourite pastimes :) 

I've always been the same. And it just seems to get stronger and stronger the older I get. To most people, it just doesn't make sense that a college student should feel the way I do, I should be making the most of my freedom (which I most definitely am!), and the thought of being a mother should terrify me, as it does most of my friends. But I can't help it. 

These photos actually make my heart hurt, and I get an awful lump in my throat. I want it so badly. :) It defines me. It's the only thing I am really sure of, I am maternal. I'm supposed to be a mother, and if nothing else ever goes right for me, I won't care as long as I have the chance to be a mother someday. 

What do you dream of? :) 

Happy Birthday, Mammy!

It's a big day today- it's my Mam's birthday! :)

Love you lots and lots! 

And I don't think Sampson would be quite so disciplined... Let's keep him away from cake! 

Happy Birthday! :) 

Love, Orla. x

Vanilla Song

I did it. I uploaded a video to Youtube. Eeek! Here it is:

And of course, Mildred is Kate! Tell me what you think. I am so nervous... 

Day 3. A photo of the house you grew up in. 

This was my childhood home. It's not the prettiest, but to me it was a castle. And if you look at it straight down, it's in the shape of a 'H' for Harrington. Not purposely, but I thought it was meant to be. It was the house we had most of our adventures in. We used to ride bikes all the way around the house in a circle. We learned to roller-blade on the tarmac. We used to swing on the gate and feel the rush of adrenaline as if it was the world's greatest roller-coaster. And then when it got dark, we'd go inside, Dad would lock the doors, and we'd feel like nothing could ever get in to hurt us. Sometimes Conor (my brother) and I would stick our heads out of that skylight and pretend we were on a pirate's ship that no one could attack. I love that house. :) 

Day 4. A photo of your life a year ago. 

Studying for the Leaving Cert (final exams to get into college). Oh, the joys! This was typical of me. Lunch dishes on my locker, diaries underneath on the shelf, history notes on my bed, pencil case, laptop with exams tips, notes and random papers on the floor, overflowing school bag... My life consisted of school, study, homework, study, trying to squeeze in meal times and normal things like showers, and running on no sleep. Fun! But it was all worth it looking back, because here I am now, in college, having the time of my life. :) 

Update on '18 Before 18'

So, how am I doing?

18 Before 18
1. Read 3 books
2. Stick a note to the bottom of someone's shoe
3. Try 5 new foods
4. Have photos taken in a photo booth
5. Complete 18 random acts of kindness
6. Surprise someone with an unexpected gift
7. Write a thank you note for someone who won't expect it
8. Put a video on Youtube
10. Have 20 followers on my blog
11. Write a letter to my future children
12. Complete the '30 Days of Pictures' project
13. Learn to rap the entire Fresh Prince theme tune
14. Write a Time Capsule entry in my diary
15. See how many marshmallows I can fit in my mouth
16. Write a letter of support to Kate & Gerry McCann
17. Write a list of what I have learned in 18 years
18. Go without chocolate until my birthday.

1. I am currently reading Book 1- The Time Of My Life by Cecelia Ahern 

2. Stuck a note to Kate's shoe! 

3. 1/5- I had dairy free yoghurts. Yuck.

7. I wrote a thank you card for the nurse who I've been shadowing, she was so thrilled. :) 

8. I have 3 videos made- just depending on really slow internet!

9. Okay, I just realised I don't have a number 9! So silly. Hmm... I will make a playlist of songs I've loved in the last year! 

12. Okay, I've been kinda failing at this one. I'll catch up now! 

15. I have a video! Will post as soon as my internet will allow me to. 

18. Succeeding so far, much to everyone's shock. ;) 

30 Days of Photos. Day 1: A photo of a tradition. 

This is my Dad and I in my Nana's house, Christmas 2008. We play music together a lot, but one of the most special times is every Christmas when we meet up with his side of the family. We always bring the instruments and have a sing-song. :)

Day 2. A picture of a crazy night. 

Okay well to be honest, we don't have crazy drunken nights. We are crazy when we're sober, we're just those kind of friends! So I don't have a photo of me in a drunken mess, I'm proud to say. I chose this photo because we don't know the guy or girl on the right, and we think it's pretty cool! We were taking a group picture and they just decided to jump in. Now they're in our photo forever, we're still talking about them, and we don't even know their names! We HAVE to do this some time, jump into someone elses' photo. 

Well that's all for now! Might do another photo post later. :) 

2011 In Photos

I've been spending some time thinking of how best to capture all that has happened this year... And well.. I just can't! So I will try this idea to wrap up 2011. I found it over here. One photo for every month this year. :)

Surgery in January

February: Babysitting as usual, one of my favourite past times. :) 

Taylor Swift concert in March

April: Lots of walks to relieve exam stress!

May: Goodbye cards & letters from teachers (and their kids!)

June: Little cousins in big shoes (Alice & Eleanor)

July: My best friend Laura's Birthday (but she is too camera shy to allow a photo on the internet...for now!)

August: Graduation & Exam Results

Moving to college in September

October: Dressing as a nerd for Halloween!

November: Lots of new college friends (and please excuse my wet hair, pyjamas and 3D glasses haha)

December: Seeing family at Christmas time (Little cousin, Holly)

So there is my year in photos. :) Anyone wish to join me? Post a link for your blog, and I will check it out. :)