No matter what your 'change' may be, whether it's moving house, changing job, breaking up, it's happening for a reason so relish it. Check out this "Thought for today" :
"So often when things change in our lives, we have such a resistance to the change. This is because when people see a big change appearing they are often fearful that it is something bad. But it is important to remember that when something big changes in our lives, it means something better is coming. there cannot be a vacuum in the Universe, and so as something moves out, something must come in and replace it. When change comes, relax, have total faith and know that the change is ALL GOOD.
Something more magnificent is coming to you!"
Quote taken from The Secret Daily teachings" by Rhonda Byrne
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Thought for Today..................
For all my single ladies, all my singles ladies................(and men!):
"If you are looking for love, the best chance you have of finding absolute happiness with the perfect person (whoever that may be) is if you surrender to the Universe. Allow the Universe to bring the love of your life to you, and to move you to them. This means you have to get out of the way and become receptive to the possibilities that the Universe presents to you.
From our smaller perspective we cannot see everything, but from its total perspective the Universe knows the perfect matches"
Quote taken from The Secret daily teachings by Rhonda Byrne
.........ok, ok, I surrender, I am totally out of the way and I have become receptive to all/any possibilities...................anything
...........................................anything
..............................................Nope, still no sign of my 'perfect person' !!!
Ah, in all seriousness, I do really like this "Thought for today" - let me know what you think! I'll have another one tomorrow!
Luc xx
"If you are looking for love, the best chance you have of finding absolute happiness with the perfect person (whoever that may be) is if you surrender to the Universe. Allow the Universe to bring the love of your life to you, and to move you to them. This means you have to get out of the way and become receptive to the possibilities that the Universe presents to you.
From our smaller perspective we cannot see everything, but from its total perspective the Universe knows the perfect matches"
Quote taken from The Secret daily teachings by Rhonda Byrne
.........ok, ok, I surrender, I am totally out of the way and I have become receptive to all/any possibilities...................anything
...........................................anything
..............................................Nope, still no sign of my 'perfect person' !!!
Ah, in all seriousness, I do really like this "Thought for today" - let me know what you think! I'll have another one tomorrow!
Luc xx
To Russia with Love - Pasha Nachonechy
Back in 2007, I volunteered to work in an orphanage in Bryansk, Western Russia for 3 months for the charity, To Russia with Love. Since then, I have been back 3 times and have had the pleasure and honour of getting to know and adore these incredible, orphaned children.
The only job spec. I had prior to my first trip was "to show the children love and care" and really, that's what myself and the other 2 girls out there did. This job spec. was not only for the children in the orphanage, but also for those who had left the orphanage and are now on To Russia with Love's Final Steps Program.
There is still a terrible stigma attached to being an orphan in Russia and so most of those leaving an orphanage end up on the streets, in prison or addicted to drugs/alcohol. The To Russia with Love Final Steps programme offers the children leaving the orphanage an opportunity to go to college, helps them find accomodation and essentially, helps them to become an integrated part of society and last year 100% of the kids went on to college - a HUGE achievement!
One of the children who was on this programme was Pasha Nachonechy. He was taken from his family home when he was 6 years old, his mum was an alcoholic and his father's whereabouts are unknown. 12 years later, he left the orphanage and like the other children who'd left , he always came back to visit the kids and the Irish volunteers. He loved hanging out with us and chatting in the bits of English he'd picked up over the years of Irish volunteers going out to Russia. He was beautiful looking and a little flirt - he'd look at me and say "Lusya, hyou, my gurlfreend!" and he always lit up my heart when I was feeling a little emotional during my time in Russia (which was quite often, every day in fact!!)
Just gone 21 in September, Pasha took his own life last Saturday:( At the moment, all I know is that there was a note left in his pocket saying goodbye to the children in the orphanage and asking them to stay strong. I have always felt that the children in Russia are a huge part of my life, my family, but I never actually realised just how much.
I found out on Monday and my heart is still broken........every so often I remember a little something that we did or that he said and I can't control the tears. Debbie (the founder of To Russia with Love) is out there at the moment and has been texting me about the last few days. Every time I read her texts, again, I just break down. In one way, I'd love to be there for them but in another, I actually don't think I'd be able for it. Debbie is their "Irish Mama" and for her, it's like losing one of her own. She is so strong.
His family were his friends, the 'brothers' he grew up with in the orphanage and lived with once they left. I can't even begin to say just how incredible these boys are but in Debbie's words: "our kids held each other up, they were magnificent, shocking day. They're in bits, no describing it really."
I'm sharing this here for different reasons:
I've always said that tears are better out than in and writing something down has always helped me to cope with different emotions.
Every day, we are continuously reminded of the "recession", the "awful state" of our country, of anything negative but let's put things into perspective and be grateful for what we actually, physically have. The more positive we feel about our lives, the more positivity we can give to others.
Most importantly, even though he may not have known it, I want everyone to know what an incredbile, beautiful, kind-hearted guy Pasha was. He was a light that shone in the hearts of those he touched and he will never be forgotten.
R.I.P. Pasha Nachonechy
The only job spec. I had prior to my first trip was "to show the children love and care" and really, that's what myself and the other 2 girls out there did. This job spec. was not only for the children in the orphanage, but also for those who had left the orphanage and are now on To Russia with Love's Final Steps Program.
There is still a terrible stigma attached to being an orphan in Russia and so most of those leaving an orphanage end up on the streets, in prison or addicted to drugs/alcohol. The To Russia with Love Final Steps programme offers the children leaving the orphanage an opportunity to go to college, helps them find accomodation and essentially, helps them to become an integrated part of society and last year 100% of the kids went on to college - a HUGE achievement!
One of the children who was on this programme was Pasha Nachonechy. He was taken from his family home when he was 6 years old, his mum was an alcoholic and his father's whereabouts are unknown. 12 years later, he left the orphanage and like the other children who'd left , he always came back to visit the kids and the Irish volunteers. He loved hanging out with us and chatting in the bits of English he'd picked up over the years of Irish volunteers going out to Russia. He was beautiful looking and a little flirt - he'd look at me and say "Lusya, hyou, my gurlfreend!" and he always lit up my heart when I was feeling a little emotional during my time in Russia (which was quite often, every day in fact!!)
Just gone 21 in September, Pasha took his own life last Saturday:( At the moment, all I know is that there was a note left in his pocket saying goodbye to the children in the orphanage and asking them to stay strong. I have always felt that the children in Russia are a huge part of my life, my family, but I never actually realised just how much.
I found out on Monday and my heart is still broken........every so often I remember a little something that we did or that he said and I can't control the tears. Debbie (the founder of To Russia with Love) is out there at the moment and has been texting me about the last few days. Every time I read her texts, again, I just break down. In one way, I'd love to be there for them but in another, I actually don't think I'd be able for it. Debbie is their "Irish Mama" and for her, it's like losing one of her own. She is so strong.
His family were his friends, the 'brothers' he grew up with in the orphanage and lived with once they left. I can't even begin to say just how incredible these boys are but in Debbie's words: "our kids held each other up, they were magnificent, shocking day. They're in bits, no describing it really."
I'm sharing this here for different reasons:
I've always said that tears are better out than in and writing something down has always helped me to cope with different emotions.
Every day, we are continuously reminded of the "recession", the "awful state" of our country, of anything negative but let's put things into perspective and be grateful for what we actually, physically have. The more positive we feel about our lives, the more positivity we can give to others.
Most importantly, even though he may not have known it, I want everyone to know what an incredbile, beautiful, kind-hearted guy Pasha was. He was a light that shone in the hearts of those he touched and he will never be forgotten.
R.I.P. Pasha Nachonechy
Rapture Camps
The other day, my main man, Chris in Rapture Camps Portugal, emailed me to say that he had some great news..............and, "GREAT news" it was!!! Normally closing in October, Rapture Camps has decided to stay open for the month of November this year!!!
From what I hear, the weather is still gorgeous and the conditions are absolutely perfect for surfing, the caipirinhas are a-flowin' and the food, well, Chris is there, so it's bound to be AMAZING!!!
As you well know from previous posts, this place is the best value for money I've EVER come across with the coolest, most chilled-out atmosphere and the nicest, friendliest people I've ever met!! (Is that too many superlatives??? My mum would kill me!). The instructors are top class, in fairness, they had me up on my first wave (I'd like to think it was my natural, in-built, sporting ability!!) and are so enthusiastic that they make you want to surf more and more!!
So, if you're looking for a last-minute Winter break for a week, a few days, a long weekend then check out http://www.rapturecamps.com/ and I've just checked http://www.aerlingus.com/ for flights and there are flights Dublin to Lisbon return from €90pp :)
I swear if I wasn't moving into a new place next month, paying deposits, etc. and my bank account had more than a tenner in it, I'd be there in a flash. For those of you who do have a bit of spare dosh, have a ball, don't tell me about it or show me pictures and I'm NOT jealous at all.....bastardos!
Luc xx
From what I hear, the weather is still gorgeous and the conditions are absolutely perfect for surfing, the caipirinhas are a-flowin' and the food, well, Chris is there, so it's bound to be AMAZING!!!
As you well know from previous posts, this place is the best value for money I've EVER come across with the coolest, most chilled-out atmosphere and the nicest, friendliest people I've ever met!! (Is that too many superlatives??? My mum would kill me!). The instructors are top class, in fairness, they had me up on my first wave (I'd like to think it was my natural, in-built, sporting ability!!) and are so enthusiastic that they make you want to surf more and more!!
So, if you're looking for a last-minute Winter break for a week, a few days, a long weekend then check out http://www.rapturecamps.com/ and I've just checked http://www.aerlingus.com/ for flights and there are flights Dublin to Lisbon return from €90pp :)
I swear if I wasn't moving into a new place next month, paying deposits, etc. and my bank account had more than a tenner in it, I'd be there in a flash. For those of you who do have a bit of spare dosh, have a ball, don't tell me about it or show me pictures and I'm NOT jealous at all.....bastardos!
Luc xx
Thursday, October 22, 2009
What's going on!?!
Hi there,
Ok, so I've been a complete and utter disaster with keeping my blog updated:( I've had a pretty hectic past 2months to be honest. I'll fill you in bit by bit..................
AVON RI "ADVENTURE RACE"
A friend of mine asked me would I do the Hope Foundation "Adventure Race" for them back in September and I said "absolutely no problem" as it's a great cause (check out their website: http://www.hopefoundation.ie/). It was on the 19th of September. I flew back into Cork from Portugal very late on the 17th, drove back to Dublin on the 18th, had my radio show that night from midnight until 6am on the 19th, slept for a couple of hours then got up and drove to Avon Ri to register for the race.
It was only when I was half-way through the 1.6K kayak, 25K cycle and 5K run, that I realised a weeks surfing/drinking caipirinhas in Portugal and 2hrs sleep before the race was NOT the ideal 'training' for any triathlon!!! Once again, I questioned myself: "Why the hell are you doing this to yourself? Here you are cycling up a 'hill' that may as well be a cliff, going about 1k/h in the lowest gear possible and when you get to the downhill, you're only going to be met by another 'hill', why, Why, WHY?".
Eventually (approx. 1hr48mins later), I got to the finish line and there were a few groups of fine, fit men standing around. Of course I had to go over to one group (I think I was drawn in by the accent, they were from 'Up North' - does it every time!) to chat to them, ask them how they did and tell them about Gaelforce West which they'd never heard of and were quite impressed that I did it.........What? Flirt you say? Noooo, I don't know what you're talking about !
The answer to my question was surrounding me! Of course, there's the sense of achievement after a triathlon/adventure race, the fact that you're helping a good cause, but the main reason I do them, if I'm to be 110% honest with you (and myself), is that I like to be surrounded by fit, hot men :)
Ok, so I've been a complete and utter disaster with keeping my blog updated:( I've had a pretty hectic past 2months to be honest. I'll fill you in bit by bit..................
AVON RI "ADVENTURE RACE"
A friend of mine asked me would I do the Hope Foundation "Adventure Race" for them back in September and I said "absolutely no problem" as it's a great cause (check out their website: http://www.hopefoundation.ie/). It was on the 19th of September. I flew back into Cork from Portugal very late on the 17th, drove back to Dublin on the 18th, had my radio show that night from midnight until 6am on the 19th, slept for a couple of hours then got up and drove to Avon Ri to register for the race.
It was only when I was half-way through the 1.6K kayak, 25K cycle and 5K run, that I realised a weeks surfing/drinking caipirinhas in Portugal and 2hrs sleep before the race was NOT the ideal 'training' for any triathlon!!! Once again, I questioned myself: "Why the hell are you doing this to yourself? Here you are cycling up a 'hill' that may as well be a cliff, going about 1k/h in the lowest gear possible and when you get to the downhill, you're only going to be met by another 'hill', why, Why, WHY?".
Eventually (approx. 1hr48mins later), I got to the finish line and there were a few groups of fine, fit men standing around. Of course I had to go over to one group (I think I was drawn in by the accent, they were from 'Up North' - does it every time!) to chat to them, ask them how they did and tell them about Gaelforce West which they'd never heard of and were quite impressed that I did it.........What? Flirt you say? Noooo, I don't know what you're talking about !
The answer to my question was surrounding me! Of course, there's the sense of achievement after a triathlon/adventure race, the fact that you're helping a good cause, but the main reason I do them, if I'm to be 110% honest with you (and myself), is that I like to be surrounded by fit, hot men :)
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Surf's Up Part Deux!
WHere do I start?!?!
When I decided to go back to Rapture and my partners in crime couldn't come with me this time, it was weird, I wasn't one bit nervous about being on my own. Of course I missed my girls being there with me, but as per usual, I was made feel so welcome from the moment I was picked up from the airport!
Andi held the fort in Chris's absense and did a fab job :) You could definitely feel Matt's absence but with the return of Nick and the new addition of the lovely Stefan, the 'family' was more or less the same!!
The camp was jam-packed and I was very lucky to get a bunk, but as always, in Andi's famous words, "we make it happen" in Rapture! Jono, 'my' ever-encouraging instructor, ironed out the little bad habits I'd somehow picked up (he informed me that I looked like a 'gorilla' on the surfboard at one stage!!) and had me giving it loads on the waves once again! He really does have more faith in my surfing abilities than I do myself!!
Chris got back to the camp and I know I pestered him about his curry from the moment he arrived but I really couldn't believe it when he made dinner early enough for me to have some of said AMAZING curry before I left for the airport. It was so, so sweet of him and it was great soakage for the 1 or 2 (!) caipirinhas I'd had on my last day before heading to the airport!
To be honest, that in itself really hit the nail on the head for me when thinking of what makes Rapture camps so different/special to me:I know that they are providing a service and an excellent one at that, but when I'm there, I feel like I'm among friends/family and all the 'services' are little favours that family and friends would do automatically. Every single member of staff there all create a lovely, friendly atmosphere in the camp and even though I feel like I'm 'special', I'm sure every single customer feels this way.
Thanks again for EVERYTHING guys - I'm sure you know at this stage that I'll be back over to you guys, in fact, I can't really imagine doing any other type of holiday anymore!
Check out their website: www.rapturecamps.com
When I decided to go back to Rapture and my partners in crime couldn't come with me this time, it was weird, I wasn't one bit nervous about being on my own. Of course I missed my girls being there with me, but as per usual, I was made feel so welcome from the moment I was picked up from the airport!
Andi held the fort in Chris's absense and did a fab job :) You could definitely feel Matt's absence but with the return of Nick and the new addition of the lovely Stefan, the 'family' was more or less the same!!
The camp was jam-packed and I was very lucky to get a bunk, but as always, in Andi's famous words, "we make it happen" in Rapture! Jono, 'my' ever-encouraging instructor, ironed out the little bad habits I'd somehow picked up (he informed me that I looked like a 'gorilla' on the surfboard at one stage!!) and had me giving it loads on the waves once again! He really does have more faith in my surfing abilities than I do myself!!
Chris got back to the camp and I know I pestered him about his curry from the moment he arrived but I really couldn't believe it when he made dinner early enough for me to have some of said AMAZING curry before I left for the airport. It was so, so sweet of him and it was great soakage for the 1 or 2 (!) caipirinhas I'd had on my last day before heading to the airport!
To be honest, that in itself really hit the nail on the head for me when thinking of what makes Rapture camps so different/special to me:I know that they are providing a service and an excellent one at that, but when I'm there, I feel like I'm among friends/family and all the 'services' are little favours that family and friends would do automatically. Every single member of staff there all create a lovely, friendly atmosphere in the camp and even though I feel like I'm 'special', I'm sure every single customer feels this way.
Thanks again for EVERYTHING guys - I'm sure you know at this stage that I'll be back over to you guys, in fact, I can't really imagine doing any other type of holiday anymore!
Check out their website: www.rapturecamps.com
Friday, October 2, 2009
PB Photographs Photoshoot
So, back in September I did a photoshoot for PB Photographs. Peter Buckley is an amazing photographer and what's most incredible is that he's taught himself everything to do with photography, cameras, lighting, photoshopping, etc. He was brilliant on the day as was my bestest buddy, Neasa - they both made me feel really comfortable as I'd never really done a 'proper' photoshoot.
I borrowed some stunning Fran & Jane (http://www.franandjane.ie/) numbers, had a Karen Millen (http://www.karenmillen.com/) LBD of my own, did the oul' hair and make-up myself and off we set to Peter's place for the shoot. Took a few pictures to get into it but then I LOVED every minute of it! So much fun. He did try a little experiment with me eating Nutella out of the jar and instead of looking cute and sexy, I eh.... looked like I hadn't eaten for a year and was then presented with this chocolate spread :)
Anyhoo, above is an example of the magic that he did and I will be adding more - hope you likey! Check out his website: http://www.pbphotographs.com/
Luc x
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