It really is! Mainly because of me having spent a week with my family (mum and two brothers) behaving just like the kids we used to be but ….. as adults! It doesn’t really work that way, or does it?!

The giggles and follow up images and GIFs certainly said it hasn’t changed a bit! Burps, farts, snoring, sleep talking, sleep walking and getting very drunk…..Memories made and I do miss them already. (The Family that is)

A Yellow Cab with Strangers

It must be that friendly face of mine…??? Having reached the top of the queue for a yellow taxi leaving JFK the “check-in man’ asked  trip for two is it? I got slightly confused for a second as I was travelling solo. As I looked over my right shoulder I realised that the Cork man behind me (that accent doesn’t fool anyone) was standing slightly next to me with his wife still behind. So I couldn’t help myself but to say ‘unless you want to come with me?’. A great big laugh broke out which ended up with me sitting in between him and his wife all the way into Manhattan sharing great stories in a very un-awkward manner – very Irish!! (it was desperately warm however)!!!

Dead Rabbit Whiskey & Watermelon

Arriving to a NYC hotel late afternoon without an ability to check in is not a good idea…. Especially not the day after!!

I had five hours to spend with New York City and what better way to do so but a little bit of Black Friday shopping (consisting of a Christmas pyjamas) (I hate shopping) followed by a burger & beer, mingle at Time Square followed by settling down in the bar across the road from the hotel to await the arrival of the Swedish gang!

Spent the hours (2) with a New Orleans Man, an Irish Barman and later on in the evening a Welsh Barman drinking my regular drink of Jameson & Ginger Ale. Talking to the man from NO about Gaelic Football (gosh I don’t know where my Swedishness has gone) the Irish Barman decided it was time to introduce himself! A Dubliner having lived in NY for 10 years.

After my third drink I ran across to meet the family and when my younger brother wanted a drink….. I wasn’t one to say no and guess what. The bar stood a round of drinks on my return! This time the Welsh Barman introduced himself and another round was had one the house. We stayed until maybe, possible (I really have no idea) 2am, 3am which means it was now time to get up for work back home….. The finishing drink was a Dead Rabbit Whiskey cocktail….. with the word finishing having a whole new meaning…..

Came back to the hotel where my mother had to tuck me in (just like old days) and I fell asleep fully clothed…. Woke up at 8am with a slight hangover which left me in bed whilst the remainder of the crew had breakfast. I surfaced….  that’s all….  around 11am.

Felt ok, impressed with my own ability to recover so I bought some watermelon, red berries and a bottle of water. Walked on and suddenly……. An overwhelming sense of nausea…. Right in the middle to Time Square….. I will never live down the colourful creation….

Fuck Trump – He Stole My Weed!!

There are a lot of homeless people in NYC all competing for the attention of the people passing by. Three in particular stood out for me.

The first man was standing in the vicinity of Macy’s Department Store, better dressed than myself.  Tweed suit and all. He was asking for money….. Made us all stop in our tracks and I wonder was he doing a documentary….. It was just ‘weird”.

The second one had the best sign post….. the heading!!! Fuck Trump – He Stole My Weed. So he obviously doesn’t like Trump but he was also asking for money to replenish stock??

Then the last, he must be my favourite!! He said in his homeless husky (hoarse really) voice, as I was entering the hotel – “I love your hair”. It certainly gave me a fit of the giggles….. and a sensation of NOT AGAIN!!!!

Lace, Latex & Lubricants

Try walking through a 3 story Victoria Secret Shop with your younger brother. These are the items surrounding you. He looking for his girlfriend, me looking for me…. Just wasn’t happening without bringing us right back to childhood. Red faces, lots of giggles and confused faces (his more than mine) with how the hell all the strings, holes and ribbons were to be positioned!!

At least mum gracefully stood to one side waiting for us to come out and my older brother went to the more “not required to be censored section” Pink!

So did I end up empty handed…..?? Who knows. (my brother certainly doesn’t)!!!

Back Home

I love NYC and believe it truly was meant to be my home…. In saying that, there is nothing better than getting back to my true home, to my kids.

My Bella had prepared a scavenger hunt which had me running up and down the stairs in and out of rooms looking for clues until I found her in the kitchen with a bunch of flowers and quote jar…. Think they missed me…

Finishing off with a two year anniversary mention!!! This day two years ago was the day that started my SimplyMalin and MyMe journey!! The day of Strictly Come Dancing West Clare GAA Style!! So many great memories!!!

So here is to December one of my favourite times of year! Christmas is looming, lingering dark evenings, homes feel warm and fussy and there are lots of events and festivities to attend to and the excitement of what Santa might bring me is starting to brew…. Still a child at heart ❤️