Ireland is calling me back

If this year's Smedia Awards is as good
 as last years, attendees will be in for a treat

I may have just over a month to go in Canada, but Ireland is telling me to come home.  She’s been punishing me for leaving since I left her shores on January 2nd. I should have known better than to leave home. For the last few months I’ve been describing myself as a prospective immigrant, but now that I’ve left the homeland, I know that Ireland won’t let me leave longterm.

 The first incident was the fact that my flight the St John’s, Newfoundland was cancelled because of extreme weather conditions, meaning I had to stay in New York overnight.

 Next up, Continental Airlines lost all of my bags, so that I had to buy enough clothes and toiletries to last me a few days. Worst of all, I was technically under arrest, as I was dragged into interrogation, as border police thought that my reason on visiting Canada wasn’t for study. Just over 100 days to go at that stage. What more could happen?

Since then, I’ve been bedbound with the Newfie flu and other viral nasties that have ensured that my social life here is kept to an absolute minimum. Also, have I mentioned the snow? The snow here is bitter and stinging. The worst thing about the Newfoundland snow is that when it’s rained on top of, it turns into this rock hard ice that is incredibly slippery. I’ve almost had a number of concussions walking along it.

Just this week there was a great thaw out. The sun was shining and I was delighted that I was beginning to see the grass again. I jinxed it. The next day, the snow started afresh and the snow ploughs are going full throttle throughout the night once more.

But now, I have a whole new reason to return home. This blog has been nominated for a student media award. I was lucky enough to be a guest at last year’s awards and was delighted with the night. It’s fantastically organised and it’s a great night. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes out of it. I’m also happy to see fellow ULers Finn McDuffie and Colm Fitzgerald nominated for other awards. Best of luck to everyone taking part. It will definitely be a night to celebrate.

Ireland is calling me back