In typical wolf pack fashion, Laura had bought Jen a chocolate cake from our favorite place: Centra. In the words of Laura, Centra is her “savior”. After booking flights for mom, I went upstairs and we waited for Jen to arrive. Claire went to answer the door, Stevie lit the candles and I hid the cake with my body, moving out of the way when Jen walked in, as we sang happy birthday to our favorite Canadian Comrade. After lots of laughs and celebatory hugs, we finished our song, cut the cake, and enjoy chocolate glory with our hands since Claire’s apartment has somewhat of a cutlery and kitchen equipment shortage due to a kleptomaniac roommate.
Jen was craving Irish stew so we made plans to go out on the town and as we figured out our plans we painted our nails and Stevie went to plunk town on her eyebrows. Claire wore her new dress and put us all to shame in our jeans and flats. We are such a diverse group. As we walked towards the bus, we decided Jen looked like a band manager, Claire a groupie, Stevie a mom, and me a 16 year old high school student trying to sneak in with my fake id. Jen was impressed with my detail. We boarded the bus after a long wait, and passed the time by doing word association about each member of the group. Jen was described as a spark and organic. Claire as classy and flamboyant. Stevie as bad ass with a good heart and an individualistic soul. And me. Down to business (break into song here), but an all-american girl next door with home in my heart. I guess I can live with that. That conversation turned into singing Flight of the Conchords. Randomness at its finest. We headed to MJ O’Neils for a true Irish Carvery dinner. Which for me, was Guinness & Beef stew. We enjoyed our meal, the live Irish music, and more random conversation about life, love, and being young.
Stevie said it best saying that people that study abroad are some of the most interesting and driven people you will meet in college, or in life in general. We decided that we were all going to be making a trek to Whitehorse, in the Yukon. Add that to Australia on my must see places to go. It has that small town feel, which I have a soft spot for. Plus I really want to go bison hunting with Jennifer. What a life.
Claire’s friend from home was in Dublin so we went to meet him after thoroughly enjoying the live music that was the background to our evening. We headed to the Quays Bar and found some more live music. I love Dublin. Claire met up with her friend Tom, and the rest of us went on a search for dessert. We went upstairs to the Quays Restaurant and ordered Apple Crumble Cake. And to drink? Whiskey on the rocks. Yea, not sure whose bright idea that was. I think Jennifer. But let me tell you, I felt as though I should have a stooge as I sipped my whiskey on the rocks. 21 and classy, or 65?
More random conversation, including our 10 year plans. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? What a loaded question. Stevie wants a rock. Jen wants to change the world. I just want a healthy family and some kids. Typical. We made a pact to reunite on Jennifer’s 31st birthday to celebrate 10 years of life then. It was closing time at the restaurant, so we made our way down to the bar.
More 21 celebration. How do you celebrate a 21st birthday properly? Tequila shots. 5 tequila shots, a shaker of salt, and lemons. Um, we do limes in the United States please. Claire, Tom, Jen, Stevie, and I cheers Jen for her 21st, licked our hands, shook the salt, took the shot, and squeezed the lime into our mouths. Happy Birthday JMatch.
Tom’s friends joined us and we chatted in up and order Jen some more drinks. Malibu & Pineapple juice. It took a while. The bartender was kind of rude. Not cute sarcastic rude, but just having a bad day rude. After Jen finished her birthday drinks, we bid farewell to the guys and headed to find a bathroom and a cab. We made it back to UCD, bid each other good night and retreated to our own apartments.
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