Archives

'How are your manholes?': A weekend visit with friends involved hiking, exploring caves, and sharing updates about their homes and lives, highlighting the importance of quality time together.

Wedding on a Farm: The weekend in England and Wales was spent attending a joyful family wedding on a farm, featuring delicious food, dancing, and quality time with relatives.

Fitzcarraldo: Receiving a free CD from parents at 16 sparked a deep appreciation for Glen Hansard’s music, especially tracks from his band The Frames, which remains cherished despite his tragic passing.

“Oh, Lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz”: After arriving in Stuttgart early in the morning, a visit to the Mercedes-Benz Museum revealed a fascinating array of automotive history, culminating in an enjoyable experience.

Porsche Museum: Visiting the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart was an exhilarating experience, deeply rooted in a lifelong passion for cars and their design.

Oxtail soup, Turkey & Ham, Jelly & Ice-cream: Family gatherings at the Sunset Ridge Hotel centered around a beloved set menu, creating lasting nostalgia despite the restaurant’s closure.

A video call in the middle of Berlin Hauptbahnhof: A video call from their surrogate’s husband during a tumultuous travel day provided a special moment of joy as they began the surrogacy process.

Eating seeds as a pastime activity: A cherished memory involves experiencing the exhilarating live performance of System of a Down with my brother, which solidified my long-standing love for their music.

Appleversary: Today, is my twentieth anniversary or ‘Appleversary’ at work. I walked in the door of the Irish head office on June 16th, 2006 to begin my career journey at Apple and it’s amazing to see how much has changed in twenty years.

Apple Watch: After years of using an Apple Watch, the author switched to a simple Casio watch to reduce anxiety caused by notifications and embrace a more straightforward approach to timekeeping.

But what if everything works out. : Struggling with grief over her mother’s death, the speaker finds solace in a story that prompts a hopeful perspective on the future.

The saxophone player with the hairy ear: A beautiful intercultural wedding took place near Grenoble, France, featuring an open bar, abundant food, and a memorable brass band, leaving the guests delighted and eager to return.

Sixth month anniversary: A visit to a mother’s grave half a year after her passing brought a mix of grief and comfort as she shared family updates with his husband.

"O Canada" : A trip to Toronto involved meeting surrogates and an egg donor while exploring the city and building connections for an upcoming family expansion.

Two years ago: Momento, a journaling app, has helped chronicle the author’s life, including the painful memory of discovering their mother’s stage-3 ovarian cancer diagnosis.

Best at rounders: A car journey with my brother sparked nostalgic conversations about our cherished childhood memories.

The Kids Are Alright: Caring for their young relatives over two weeks has been a rewarding experience filled with fun activities, despite some challenging weather.

Be Quiet and Drive: The recent Deftones concert was a thrilling experience, showcasing the band’s evolution and attracting a youthful audience alongside dedicated fans.

Writing was on the wall: A reflective recollection of a family meeting in the hospital reveals deep emotional turmoil and longing following the mother’s terminal cancer diagnosis and subsequent passing.

2025: The worst year of my life: 2025 was marked by profound loss and grief following this author’s mother’s passing, prompting a strong rejection of traditional New Year’s resolutions.

Her favourite time of the year : This author reflects on their feelings after losing his mother, especially during the Christmas season, while sharing their experience with a friend.

Maybe baby: After a challenging time following the loss of his mother, excitement brews over a potential surrogate match for starting a family.

Lost connection: A conversation with this authors Mum’s long-time friend reveals a deep sense of loss and longing for connection.

Not My Tummy: An online session with ‘Not My Tummy’ inspired this author to start a new blog documenting their surrogacy journey to increase their chances of finding a surrogate.

My favourite place: A solitary walk up the hill offers a refreshing view of the countryside.

Panini Football Stickers, dinky cars and belly laughs: At his mum’s funeral, this author unexpectedly reconnects with a childhood friend, sparking nostalgic memories of their early years as friends.

My mom died: A death announcement.

I used to work in a video store: Memories of working at Xtravision still resonate through nostalgic encounters and connections with former customers.

Leica camera collection: This author details their journey with various cameras, culminating in the acquisition and exchange of several Leica models, including an M-D 262.

Billy the goat: Billy, the eco-lawnmower.

We're back in the hospital : Mum is enduring a challenging year of hospital visits and setbacks due to cancer treatment complications.

Mum’s Pavlova Recipe: This authors personal account describes learning to make Pavlova using a family recipe, successfully recreating the dessert for the first time.

We never worried about you. You always knew how to take care of yourself: Feeling overlooked and isolated often comes with being seen as capable and strong, as others forget to check in or offer support.

Playing games on jackbox.tv: An annual New Year’s tradition of playing games with married friends has become bittersweet as the couple is now separating, marking a loss of cherished moments.

Birds flying over the German's house: Observing a flock of blackbirds flying over the old “German’s house” evokes nostalgic memories of childhood and the seasonal rhythms of late summer.

It's been hectic!: Amidst the hectic process of selling his city house and moving to a country home, this author reflects on significant life changes, including family birthdays, car purchases, and a friend’s tragic loss, while managing their own surrogacy journey and concerns about a family member’s …

Sale Agreed: After successfully accepting an offer on their city house, plans are set in motion for a new life in the countryside as they await a smooth sale.

Big Boys: The emotional final scene of ‘Big Boys’ resonates deeply with this author, evoking personal feelings of loss and reflection on friendship.

I am the guy I always wanted to be.: This author reflects on a photo from the pandemic that ultimately helped him realize he has become the confident person he always wanted to be.

We Didn't Know We Were Ready: A song tribute to Eoin French has captivated me since I first heard it at a 2023 session in Cork.

Seventy years young: Tomorrow is this author’s dad’s 70th birthday, and while he hopes tonight’s party will help him open up more with family, he’s also reflecting on their challenging relationship.

How are you feeling?: This author had a positive introductory counselling session to discuss current challenges and set goals for future sessions.

"You still eat the same food you ate as a teenager.": During my annual check-up, I discovered I’ve gained weight and have high cholesterol, prompting me to consider dietary changes, monitor my sleep, and seek counseling for stress.

Street View: After my grandmother’s passing, I searched Google Maps for her but found only myself captured in Street View in Cork.

Life-long friends*: A traveler reflects on a conversation overheard at the airport about reconnecting with childhood friends, which triggers memories of their own lost friendships after coming out as gay at a young age.

Oviedo on Film: Recently, a couple enjoyed a wedding in Oviedo, Spain, capturing memories with a film camera while exploring the city’s charming atmosphere.

Photographing People: Inspired by my grandfather’s extensive photo archive, I have shifted my photography focus from landscapes to capturing portraits of people, gaining confidence and skill in the process.

I Love Us. : Reflecting on nearly a decade together, the author appreciates their life and love while waiting in the car during her husband’s tutoring session.

Loneliness and Connection: Reflecting on feelings of loneliness and the need for connection, this writer contemplates seeking support from others amidst recent life challenges.

‘Harrington’s are here!’: A recent newspaper article about a local factory’s fire brigade fondly remembers this author’s late grandfather, who played a key role there, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of his passing.

An Irishman in Al Khobar: A long-awaited reunion with friends sparked this authors reflections on a past work experience in Saudi Arabia that was both transformative and challenging.

Debs: This author reminisces about a school debs event 25 years ago, revealing fond memories and reflections on the passage of time.

Job rotation: A job rotation I’ve been doing for the past few months is coming to an end this Friday. It’s been a total departure from what I had been doing for the previous fourteen years, and I’m really sad to be finishing up. The team has been so supportive, and it’s given me an …

'Cool older brother': I was standing outside Cypress Avenue on Caroline Street with my husband, brothers, and friend after our exit from a gig we had all attended when my friend commented on how nice it was that my brothers and I all liked the band we had seen. Adam, the brother, said to her that all the music he and our …

Live Everyday As A Lion: Today, I reminisced about the time I decided to get a tattoo following what I think was me realising that I’d wasted a lot of time procrastinating / doing fuck all. Looking back at it now, it was a sort of turning point. It was around 2009, before ‘doomscrolling’ on Instagram or TikTok and before …

Croatia on Film: Last week, my husband and I went on holiday to Croatia for the first time, flying from Cork to Zadar. Our Croatian hairdresser had been recommending that we go, and upon disembarking the return flight plane last Monday into Cork Airport, we wished we had stayed longer. Zadar, a city on the coast, …

Correction of mal-positioned teeth.: A friend of mine recently got braces for his “gapped teeth,” and it got me thinking about my own experience with having correction done for my mal-positioned gnashers. I would’ve been put on a waiting list in primary school, as was the case for many receiving orthodontic treatment …

#fuckcancer: Back in the early nineties, in the estate where I grew up, three people had cancer at the same time over a period of about two years. It was a tragic time because one of my friend’s younger sister passed away, as well as an older neighbour who left behind his wife and three young kids. I was …

Framed aerial photo: In the living room of a childhood friend’s home hung a framed aerial photo of their house taken from a plane. Their detached house stood alone on a large plot, separate from the rest of the semi-detached houses in our estate. Since the parents owned their own business, they had disposable cash …

Sold: At 5 p.m. on Friday evening, as I was just leaving work, Kate from the solicitor’s office rang to say the sale had closed on the house we’d waited seven months for and that we were the new owners. I was jubilant and rang my husband to tell himself the good news, and that we were going to pick …

Don't think. Just do. : Watching Top Gun: Maverick a few weeks ago, there was a line of dialogue that Tom Cruise’s character uttered to himself in the cockpit of his plane during an amazing final scene toward the end of the movie, in reference to another lead character, he says, “Don’t think. Just do.” The …

Hospital trollies: One of my first jobs was working as a porter in the Cork Regional Hospital, helped by my mum, who worked on the switchboard, or “Switch,” and knew the head porter at the time. I remember starting during weekends in November or December 1999 whilst I attended college on the weekdays, but …

In-N-Out: Last week, a work trip took me to San Francisco, and for the first time, I experienced the 11 hour flight in business class. Spoiler, it was underwhelming to say the least. While in California, I worked, enjoyed the sun on my day off, got to try an ‘In-N-Out’ burger, and walked around …

Tell your mother that you love her. : Listening to the Fontaines D.C. song “A Hero’s Death” the other day, and this line from the lyrics, “Tell your mother that you love her,” made me reflect on how infrequently, or even how rarely, I would say “I love you” to my mum. In that moment, while …

In the doldrums: There has not been a lot of movement in our surrogacy journey in the last six months. Although, since early March, we now have embryos and it was great to feel we were making progress. But it was short lived after we received the final count following the PGS or genetic testing we had done on them. …

A purple Snack, a package of BBQ Hula Hoops and a bottle of Tanora. : My go-to confectioneries are a purple Snack, a package of BBQ Beef Hula Hoops, and a bottle of Tanora. I’d happily buy all if I’m passing a shop or purposefully pop to get them if the universe is throwing a few too many lemons my way. They have been my second, third, and fourth place …

Mum ❤️

I am a photographer.: Last December marked the tenth year that I began posting on VSCO, a photo and video sharing website. It’s something I am extremely proud of and flicking through the six hundred plus photos I’ve posted I love seeing my progression as a photographer over the years. From getting a Hanimex …

How Do You Like Your Coffee?: Lately, I’ve enjoyed brewing filter coffee with a Hario V60 using beans from Imbibe, a roaster from Dublin that I love. The fruity and chocolaty tones are just wonderful in the morning, whether made at home or in the office. My go-to for years though had been an oat milk flat white from either …

New lens: I have not been taking photos much lately, partly due to the kids, the house, and the winter weather. Spending the darker evenings indoors in front of the fire with a Netflix show in the background, I came across the Voigtlander Nokton Classic MC 40mm f/1.4 lens for sale on MPB. I had been …

4th time's a charm.: We have an egg donor! Back in November, a wonderful woman reached out through our agency after hearing about our bad luck in finding a donor. She expressed her desire to help. It had been an arduous journey over the past year since we started in January 2023. We had three failed attempts to secure a …

Baby, Baby, House: We, my husband and I, live in a small mid terrace house in the centre of a city and it’s been great place for various reasons - no need to own a car, great amenities, entertainment, etc. Though with our future additions coming along (I’ve heard they come with a swathe of add-on’s …

New Manley: I feel like there’s been a disturbance in my procrastination force lately, or maybe it’s been happening over the last few years and I’m only paying close attention to it now. Starting a family seems to have a way of focusing the mind to achieve previously unachievable goals in a very …

Music to soothe an unsettled mind: Recent challenges in a surrogacy journey and personal struggles have led to a reliance on music for comfort and optimism.

Friday Nights at the E.S.B Sportsco: Fond memories of playing basketball and socializing with family and friends at the now-closed E.S.B Sportsco in Cork highlight the positive impact of those Friday nights on the author’s life.

It felt like a breakup: A difficult decision was made to end the surrogacy relationship after discovering the surrogate’s serious health issue, leading to emotional turmoil and hopes for a future match.

Delayed Summer: Ireland is experiencing unusually hot weather for September, prompting mixed feelings about the climate change implications despite enjoying a brief extension of summer.

The beginning of our journey: Anxiety about starting a family through surrogacy looms over an individual as they embark on this daunting journey in 2023.

Power of Storytelling: I&D Week 2023 at the workplace featured a storytelling event where an employee shared their personal surrogacy journey to raise awareness about the need for improved family leave policies.

Two men and a baby.: A couple excitedly embarks on their surrogacy journey in Toronto while reflecting on their experiences at the airport and hopeful for their future family.

Oblivious. : A couple’s wedding anniversary punt ride in Canterbury leads to a stunning photograph capturing two oblivious phone users by the riverside.

JD: A photo taken during Christmas Jumper day at work became a lasting tribute to him after his passing in 2020, serving as a reminder of the joy he brought to those around him.

Carcassonne: A trip to Carcassonne, France, included exploring the medieval citadel, renting a car due to train cancellations, hiking to local castles, visiting a giant cave, and enjoying the local market before returning home.

What’s the story? The last five weeks.: An English-Irish same-sex couple in Cork, Ireland, has begun their surrogacy journey by completing essential tasks such as creating an Intended Parent Profile and selecting an egg donor while preparing for upcoming legal and medical steps.

Fasten seat belt while seated: A couple’s complex journey towards starting a family through surrogacy involves extensive research, emotional challenges, and financial considerations amid the evolving legal landscape in Ireland.

MegaTRON: A humorous Family Guy clip about naming brings to mind personal reflections on creative baby names inspired by cultural backgrounds.

Tinger Egg: The process of selecting an egg donor became a significant and thoughtful decision for the couple, prompting deep discussions about the implications for their future children.

Latte Daddy: As the author navigates the complexities of starting a family through surrogacy in Ireland, they hope for better paternity leave policies and have become more assertive in advocating for family-friendly workplace benefits.

About 'Notes Of An Uninteresting Event': This is a place for me to reflect on everyday life, both past and present. It’s a place to explore events, my emotions, and various happenings. So, here we go. I’m Ross and thanks for tuning in! RMx