Update Number 1, in which my feet nearly fall off...

On Saturday I decided to be a selfless, helpful friend. Out of the goodness of my heart I agreed to trapes around Dublin (namely Grafton Street) with le best friend in order to find said best friend a job. We set off merrily, armed with CV's all neat in plastic pockets, the horror that lay ahead unknown to us. 

For you see my friends, Jenny without food is not a pretty sight. Jenny after a ballet class without food and with sore feet is an even worse sight. And what does job hunting entail? Walking. Lots and lots of walking. I will preface this with my undying love for le best friend, but my god, by the end of the day was I ready to faint/cry/strangle her. Oh the things we do in the name of friendship. 

In case you're wondering, she got a job. On the spot, right there, couldn't be happier with herself. Then they asked if she was 18 and the hundreds of euros suddenly slipped through her fingers. While I laugh now, the sheer despair on her face was heartbreaking. That was the kind of day we were having folks! 

However, Dublin being Dublin, there were delights to be had that I felt should be shared with you so here are a few of the highlights that Grafton Street and the surrounding areas. Ah, autumn in Dublin, how I love thee. 

So there's a guy with a piano that casually serenades shoppers outside Brown Thomas. He's been there the past few Saturdays and just plays on his four wheeled piano, in his corduroy jacket and knitted scarf. I'm kind of in love with him in a soppy romantic novel kind of way, simple because...he plays in the piano in the middle of the road. It's times like this I love people. 

Another example of hope for humanity- the guy who makes bubbles. Again, a common occurrence on Grafton Street, usually accompanied by shrieks of laughter from kids and shrieks of horror from parents and suds get in their hair. Ah, the complexities of life. 

And finally, on the steps of Powerscourt shopping center, we find this gentleman who was- wait for it- ...playing the spoons. Honest to God, knocking spoons against his knee, completely obliviously content. Even the patch above his knee was worn out. I just couldn't resist snapping the picture, it was too perfect. 

Wait, was I complaining about my day? Yes, my feet were past protesting and in silent mourning, and the hunger-induced dizziness was a little too strong, but who could leave a place like that in bad spirits? 

In other news I'm...

Listening to: Indie stuff á la Ingrid Michaelson

Eating: Everything around me! 

Reading: The Casual Vacancy by JK Rowling (STILL ploughing through)

Dreaming about: Florida, warmth and Disney World

Until next time,

Jenny

xxx

My Unexplainable Obsession With American Politics

I blame my parents for this, as I do a lot of things in my life. (Lovely parents by the way, but hey, I'm a teenager.) As you can tell from the title, I am Irish. Yet I could not tell you the name of half of the politicians that sit in our Dáil, and I can barely distinguish between the various parties. While I am trying to rectify this I just can't force myself to be passionate about the subject. Politics, however, is one of my favourite topics of debate and I have spent long hours debating with anyone who is willing over any and every issue. The only difference? I have an unnatural obsession with American Politics. 

Before we examine this further I think we should look at the roots and that's where parental blame comes in. You see growing up Coronation Street and Match of the Day were replace in my house with Star Trek (which, I would like to point out, I violently rebelled against) and The West Wing. West Wing, I'm proud to say, I didn't rebel against, and there we find the root. 

For those who don't know (HOW?!) the West Wing is a political-melodrama which begins with the first term of Democratic President Jed Bartlett, an idealistic, speech-giving genius who is pretty much every Democrats dream President. Surrounded by witty, intelligent staff that uphold completely unrealistic morals for politicians, they are the White House Dream Team. Sam Seaborn (played by Rob Lowe) was Deputy-Communications Director and the love of my life from age 8 to 10. 

Even at such a young age I recognised the flair and skill that was the writing of Aaron Sorkin, West Wing creator. The West Wing was rapier wit at its best and if often teased for its continuous  walk through sequences of fast dialogue that are a dream to watch. It also played on your emotions, often tackling deep philosophical issues that mirrored real world situations. Below is one of my absolute favourite speechs of all time, let alone on the West Wing. 

With that as background to my political knowledge you understand my bias towards American politics already. If that was life in America how dull were the Irish, with their droning on and on without any real substance or dramatic viewpoint. Watching the Romney-Obama debates recently I've realised that that is politics everywhere, but that deep sense of drama I garnered from the West Wing has stuck with me nonetheless. 

Another brilliant thing in terms of debate in America is the two party system. It leaves so little room for nuanced opinion which is an obvious flaw, but you have to admit it makes for fun debate. The big issues in the US always seem to have an absolute right or wrong and the Irish multi-party system can appear a lot more wishy-washy. While the topic of abortion is still a political taboo in Ireland it can make or break an American politician's career. While equal-marriage is slowly and quietly being introduced here it is a fierce topic of debate in the States. 

Coming back to my parents, it was the Americans that always cropped up in dinnertime discussions, not the Irish or British. I've noticed even in school when references are made to politics there is rarely any made to Irish politicians. It's always 'Have you heard Barack Obama's speech?', not Enda Kenny's. A girl in my class knew Barack Obama but not Michael D. Higgins. 

Is this a good thing? As a soon to be voting Irish citizen, probably not. But so long as I get up to speed I'm more than happy to watch Philip De Franco dissect Romney-Obama debates, and read the New York Times political section rather than the Irish Times one. Because, which I may mock the Americans in many ways, I can't fault their politics for sheer entertainment. 

Until next time, 

Jenny

xxxx

Welcome and Hello

So, somehow you've stumbled upon this little blog. As this is the introduction I suppose I'd better tell you a little about myself and my plans (or lack thereof) for this blog. 

First of all my name is Jenny. I'm a 17 year old Dubliner, born and bred, hence the title. I dance, read, have an unusual interest in politics and a fairly common interest in fashion, make up and all things girly. I'm also going through the usual insanity that is the Leaving Cert, (only a month in and already begging for freedom), so these posts may be random and sporadic. Apologies in advance! School is actually on of the main reasons for the birth of this blog, or rather where I intend to go after school. 

You see my ideal career is journalism and every single journalist I've met has suggested blogging or writing of some kind as practice. Being quite a reserved person generally (watch as my friends scoff in disbelief) I've been uneasy but the time is nigh and what's the harm, really? So long as none of you are stalkers/ and or serial killers, of course! 

So now that this blog has been born, what do you have to expect as a reader? Fashion is most definitely going to be important, as well as politics. Any travelling or interesting places I visit will be featured, as well as what's happening in my life (think TV shows and new blogs- I'm afraid my wild nights out are few and far between!). I believe the phrase for these random-collection-of-everything blogs is 'Lifestyle', so I think we'll just go with that! 

Other than that I'm afraid there's not much else to say. I realise that leaves you with very little so you'll just have to have faith in me and watch this space! 

Until next time, 

Jenny