Words cannot describe

Last Thursday night I got an email that has changed my life forever! I have been awarded a full scholarship to finish the three years of my PhD in UCD, Ireland. I cannot begin to describe how this makes me feel. All the years of not sure where I was headed, or really not sure what 'career' was meant for me seemed just a course to the present. It means three years in Dublin which has caused me to engage in an intense mental exercise with my own conscious, but the outcome is now clear - excitement. Not only will I be doing the research which I have become so passionately involved with, but I will live in a city which I know under it all I have a fervent relationship with. I love it, I hate it, but most of all I know it; and that excites me. It will be a change to return to places and faces that I know. I will try and not see it all as research, but also as a personal journey of discovery.
I cannot help, although I know mum you tell me not to, on those gone before who lacked belief in my temperamental nature, stubbornness, and perhaps sometimes a lack of focus. They gave up on me and wanted those nearest and dearest to me to do the same. But thankfully for me they didn't! There are some very special people who have been with me always - my mother and sister who have always picked me when I was down, and told me to get over myself. My father who always ends his phone conversation with 'I am proud to be your father', it makes me smile every time! All my friends through the years, but mainly to Caitriona who has been a friend and a sister for the longest time. Gillian and Tasneem - two of the most inspirational women I have met in my academic life - they have really shaped my work to what it is today
This year at Sussex has also been inspirational, and the people have been wonderful; it will be sad to leave but I know it is the right move. To my fabulous office mates who listened to the countless proposals; to Linnet who is my biggest support and to Jamie for making me apply in the first place.
So who knows what the next three years will bring, but I embark on them with anticipation and excitement; I am ready to change the world - well at least my world.

Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do. B. Spock

Shazia's wedding

The happy couple


The bride's 'new' family


Katrin and I


The bride, groom and I

Last Friday, my good friend Shazia got married to Fuwad in Leytonstone, London in a lovely hall called the Ivory Mansion. Shazia and I met in 2001 in Cambridge High School in Abu Dhabi. The school was not the best, and we had a lot of fun 'playing' with the administration! But the best part was the friendships formed and maintained half way across the world. It was a privilege to be there on her special day, and to wear my favourite Sawa Khamis all the way from the desh.
Katrin came with me so she could experience a true Asian wedding. We arrived on time at 6, but of course all of the other guests were late! The bride was surprisingly punctual arriving at 7.45. She looked amazing and was glowing in all her red and sparkling jewels. We ate a delicious meal, and then the photographic frenzy began. I did manage to speak to Shaz for a few minutes as well! The music in the background reminded me of the tunes we played as we drove Billy (Shaz's car) around the streets of Abu Dhabi and Dubai back in the day.
It was a lovely evening, and I was so happy to be there to share their special day. I look forward to meeting Fuwad properly in Dubai and catching up.

A lovely June wedding

They really did it...


Frances, Caitriona and I pre-wedding


Just married!


Some of the 'old crew'


The bride with the boys (Tim and Dylan)


Sarah and Manus giving it loads on the dance floor

Last Saturday I was invited to Gareth and Niamh's wedding in Dublin. It was an honour to be there for their special day, see them get married and party into the night with them. The ceremony was in a lovely wee church in Cabinteely, where the priest told lovely stories since he knew both families, and the whole wedding and church spoke of the happy couple. The wedding reception was in an amazing art and antiques gallery in Stillorgan where we enjoyed great food, plenty wine and touching speeches; the bride had even made the wedding cake herself!
After the formalities we danced the night away to great music with old and new friends. It was lovely to catch up with some of the old crew from the MPhil, and we missed the people who couldn't be there. All in all it was a fantastic wedding, and I wish the happy couple a long and happy life together.