Past Diatribes

It was in October 1991 when I first met this good lookin' chickie at University College Dublin. She was a beauty with long red hair and bright blue eyes- funny, thoughtful, dedicated, idealistic. I thought, "Carmel! She's a pretty cool woman." She thought I was a "spa" because I called girls "chickie."

Well we gradually got to know one another. At UCD, I had some of the best mates of my life, I've got to tell you. I came in as an exchange student on a year-abroad program, and was assigned roommates in the residence at complete random. I couldn't have picked a better bunch: a ready-made gang of the most interesting friends. Carmel was in her second year at the University.... many good times were had. Good times and also the sad, sincere times. Both important things you remember.

I won't embarrass her with too many details.

Carmel is my best mate. Since moving here for good in '97, we've seen some very tough times. Hell, times are STILL tough, though we're getting by, and sharing plans and dreams. If we've made it through what's behind already, I think we'll come out OK in the long run.

Aiming at that long run, I kidnapped her in a limo from her work, right after school let out and all the kiddies had dispersed. I ran her off to a fancy weekend at an old ivy-covered mansion in County Kildare, did the one-kneed thing and asked her The Big Question. Carmel looked down at me with those blue eyes and said, "No!"

"No?!"

"Weellll----- maybe."

"Maybe?!?!"

Then she laughed and said "Well, OK. Give me the ring."

So there's going to be one more Halpin in the world. Like I said, I won't rattle on with too much detail here. If you really wanna know, get me a pint sometime and then just wait for me to shut up about it. For the moment, I'm up to my ears in wedding planning and wondering how in the world I'm going to pay for this all, so I'd better run.

In brief and all at the same time, the Toaster Oven is cooking right along, I've got a new story up, and have started C++ programming. The sky stays light until past ten and my mate Broph is moving to London. And that's What's New From Dublin for now.