|
“My
|
JOURNAL ENTRIES
Young_Leader: Emma Gibney Journal_EntryWell today is my last day in Project Children office…no longer will I walk up the two sets of stairs into the small (but bijou) office that has become such a big part of my life here – to tell the truth I am really going to miss everything about my placement. I have really enjoyed having been given the opportunity to work in the PC office – even though somedays I wished I was anywhere else but the office. The events that I helped arrange and organise have really taught me lots – not to work with kids – only joking!!! I would also like to publicly thank Carol Wheeler for all she has taught and given to me over the last six weeks – she is truely inspirational and I got the best and most rewarding job of the lot – THANKS CAROL – At the moment Carol has ordered lunch for us here (as well as cream buns) and has organised a masseuse to come to the house and give me a massage before my big night out – how kind – this is another reason why I love working at this office….If God is kind, he will hear my pleaa and let me stay!!!!! See you all tonight!!!! love Emmie xx
Young_Leader: Emma Gibney Journal_EntryWell today is my last day in Project Children office…no longer will I walk up the two sets of stairs into the small (but bijou) office that has become such a big part of my life here – to tell the truth I am really going to miss everything about my placement. I have really enjoyed having been given the opportunity to work in the PC office – even though somedays I wished I was anywhere else but the office. The events that I helped arrange and organise have really taught me lots – not to work with kids – only joking!!! I would also like to publicly thank Carol Wheeler for all she has taught and given to me over the last six weeks – she is truely inspirational and I got the best and most rewarding job of the lot – THANKS CAROL – At the moment Carol has ordered lunch for us here (as well as cream buns) and has organised a masseuse to come to the house and give me a massage before my big night out – how kind – this is another reason why I love working at this office….If God is kind, he will hear my pleaa and let me stay!!!!! See you all tonight!!!! love Emmie xx
Young_Leader: Emma Gibney Journal_EntryOh, I forgot to add I was speaking to Hilary Clinton yesterday – I’m still shocked about that – I was going to say that I had spent the 4th July with her husband but I thought again….See you all later, love Emmie xx
Young_Leader: Emma Gibney Journal_EntryAnother weekend over and only two left…I can’t believe it. Well the weekend was great and I’m sure that you have all read the other journals so I will not bore you with the same details, except I have to write one thing to ensure that all insundry realise how beautiful Paddy’s new bit was – all I can say is STUNNER!!!! – yeah right!!! Ashleigh, I hope you had a brilliant 21st Birthday and I’m so sorry I missed it – we will definately go dancing when I get home. Give my love to Mark and Colin!!!!!
Young_Leader: Emma Gibney Journal_EntryWhat a week – and it is not even Friday yet. Well, another weekend flew past us all – some more than others – and more partying was done. Saturday saw myself and Ann stagger to buy new clothes (as it was needed) before we headed to DC United day. We all arrived at about 4pm, and started up playing rounders and soccer with the kids. Then we all headed towards the stadium which was very impressive – I’m easily impressed – I’m told. The game did not go as I had expected but this did not affect my support and loyalty to the brave and wonderous team members of Newcastle United. The only thing that I am upset about is that I missed the only goal scored by the team, as some sassy lady beside me kept pointing out the talent that some of the supporters appeared also to have. So Saturday afternoon turned into Saturday night, were we all decided to go dancing…and ended up in a very classy establishment, with great service and fantastic surroundings – yeah right!!! This dive that we entered horrified me but as the night went on, the consumption of soda made the surroundings more appealing. A good night was had (eventhough group breeding was high on the agenda). Saturday night was finished off by Paddy feeling sick (God lov’ ye) and John Mackell really enjoying the food prepared so lovingly for him (ie falling asleep in his chips). Sunday was a day for recuperation and reflection. The rest of the week seems to be a blur to me as I am totally exhausted from arranging Capitol Hill day for the kids at Project Children and meeting Al Gore on Tuesday night at the Wheelers (I’m sorry but it had to be mentioned).. Unfortunately I did not get invited to the meal (unlike some, special intern) so Jack and I thought of ordering pizza – but the Secret Service guys were not impressed – so we starved. So today we had our seminar on the program which went extremely well and all speakers (Aisling, Kevin, Ann, Brian and Adam) were fabulous…Also John Mackell did extremely well for not being prepared…so I’ll just say this Estabas muy bien hoy y creo que si me ensenas la lingua irlandes entonces te enseno el espanol…Que conoces? Dios te vendiga, escribeme!!! Os Amor Emma
Young_Leader: Emma Gibney Journal_EntryWhat a week – and it is not even Friday yet. Well, another weekend flew past us all – some more than others – and more partying was done. Saturday saw myself and Ann stagger to buy new clothes (as it was needed) before we headed to DC United day. We all arrived at about 4pm, and started up playing rounders and soccer with the kids. Then we all headed towards the stadium which was very impressive – I’m easily impressed – I’m told. The game did not go as I had expected but this did not affect my support and loyalty to the brave and wonderous team members of Newcastle United. The only thing that I am upset about is that I missed the only goal scored by the team, as some sassy lady beside me kept pointing out the talent that some of the supporters appeared also to have. So Saturday afternoon turned into Saturday night, were we all decided to go dancing…and ended up in a very classy establishment, with great service and fantastic surroundings – yeah right!!! This dive that we entered horrified me but as the night went on, the consumption of soda made the surroundings more appealing. A good night was had (eventhough group breeding was high on the agenda). Saturday night was finished off by Paddy feeling sick (God lov’ ye) and John Mackell really enjoying the food prepared so lovingly for him (ie falling asleep in his chips). Sunday was a day for recuperation and reflection. The rest of the week seems to be a blur to me as I am totally exhausted from arranging Capitol Hill day for the kids at Project Children and meeting Al Gore on Tuesday night at the Wheelers (I’m sorry but it had to be mentioned).. Unfortunately I did not get invited to the meal (unlike some, special intern) so Jack and I thought of ordering pizza – but the Secret Service guys were not impressed – so we starved. So today we had our seminar on the program which went extremely well and all speakers (Aisling, Kevin, Ann, Brian and Adam) were fabulous…Also John Mackell did extremely well for not being prepared…so I’ll just say this Estabas muy bien hoy y creo que si me ensenas la lingua irlandes entonces te enseno el espanol…Que conoces? Dios te vendiga, escribeme!!! Os Amor Emma
Young_Leader: Emma Gibney Journal_EntryWhat a week – and it is not even Friday yet. Well, another weekend flew past us all – some more than others – and more partying was done. Saturday saw myself and Ann stagger to buy new clothes (as it was needed) before we headed to DC United day. We all arrived at about 4pm, and started up playing rounders and soccer with the kids. Then we all headed towards the stadium which was very impressive – I’m easily impressed – I’m told. The game did not go as I had expected but this did not affect my support and loyalty to the brave and wonderous team members of Newcastle United. The only thing that I am upset about is that I missed the only goal scored by the team, as some sassy lady beside me kept pointing out the talent that some of the supporters appeared also to have. So Saturday afternoon turned into Saturday night, were we all decided to go dancing…and ended up in a very classy establishment, with great service and fantastic surroundings – yeah right!!! This dive that we entered horrified me but as the night went on, the consumption of soda made the surroundings more appealing. A good night was had (eventhough group breeding was high on the agenda). Saturday night was finished off by Paddy feeling sick (God lov’ ye) and John Mackell really enjoying the food prepared so lovingly for him (ie falling asleep in his chips). Sunday was a day for recuperation and reflection. The rest of the week seems to be a blur to me as I am totally exhausted from arranging Capitol Hill day for the kids at Project Children and meeting Al Gore on Tuesday night at the Wheelers (I’m sorry but it had to be mentioned).. Unfortunately I did not get invited to the meal (unlike some, special intern) so Jack and I thought of ordering pizza – but the Secret Service guys were not impressed – so we starved. So today we had our seminar on the program which went extremely well and all speakers (Aisling, Kevin, Ann, Brian and Adam) were fabulous…Also John Mackell did extremely well for not being prepared…so I’ll just say this Estabas muy bien hoy y creo que si me ensenas la lingua irlandes entonces te enseno el espanol…Que conoces? Dios te vendiga, escribeme!!! Os Amor Emma
Young_Leader: Emma Gibney Journal_EntryI have survived – the kids were not as bad as imagined and not one gun in sight..my champ was liked by one of the kids – good result eh??? John Mackell is a born teacher – his ability to keep the childrens attention was astonishing (even though bribes were made). After our successful visit to the elementary school Adam, John M, Ann, Kevin, Scott, Brian and I headed back to our house for pizza (yes mother more food) and then on out to play pool in Georgetown. A good night was had by all of us – especially Ann!!!! Well she doesn’t get out much…and it shows….she played the worst Beatles song ever…and she only had 302 Beatles songs to choose from. She also got us thrown out of the bar due to her rendition of ‘When I’m 64’…Anyway Brian thought that to encourage us Young Leaders he would make us all French Toast at 4am – so we ate, drank and were merry – Good night, God Bless Emma
Young_Leader: Emma Gibney Journal_EntryWhat can I say – it must be something to do with their football uniforms – or is it??? Well, yesterday all of the interns who came to see Newcastle United train had a ball (excuse the pun!!!) We all got to meet Gary Speed,(hello!!) Duncan Ferguson, Shay Given and Bobby Robson amongst the rest of the team. They were extremely sweaty and at one point I may have refused to have my pictures taken with them but once one had covered me in it I thought ‘what the heck’..Anyway I think the interns savoured this meeting more than the Project Frankies (as John M now wants them called). Yesterday was fun and I hope that today can equal it’s success as a few of us are going to the elementary school to teach fifth and sixth graders about Ireland. Last night Brian had another hot date but I arrived home to find only the dogs were up!!!!What time did you get home, lad???? I don’t want no girl breaking your heart!!!! So last night some of the mad dancers of our group (yes, you know it is you Ann) went to Madam’s Organ in Adam’s Morgan – let’s just say I’m keeping these secrets close to me…Niamh, Brenda and I ended up walking back to the metro – the wrong way!!! and just making it..Oh before I go I am going to say something about the fire bugs and squirrels – I love you. Oh and this is for John M, No me entiendo como tu comprendas la lingua muerta especialemente cuando solo 12,000 personas hablanla. Viva espana!!!!!!! Dios te vendiga Emma
Young_Leader: Emma Gibney Journal_Entry
What is up with this weather???It is cold, rainy and making me feel very at home. On Monday work was as busy as ever – although I think the way I was feeling had something to do with this. I did’nt feel to well on Monday and had a sore throat – which Aisling believed would be cured by drinking some beer. So, we went to Buffalo Billiards for dinner and drinks but afterwards straight home as I was feeling under the weather. Brian and I sat up late talking about our childhoods and eating more ice-cream. I must state though that Brian’s childhood antics make me feel like all I did as a child was breath….He is one bad cookie!!! Anyway on Tuesday I was feeling much better – until I had to take nine children swimming – this was o.k until they thought it was funny to pretend that they were drowning so that I was in and out of the pool all afternoon. Tuesday night was spent discussing the mentoring program which is to be set up in Northern Ireland when we return. The plans for this are going well and we are encouraged by Scott’s efforts for this program. Today we were given a seminar by Mary Boergers on leadership in contemporary cinema. This focused on women as leaders and was extremely interesting and encouraging for all us females out there. Anyway tonight I have spent the night alone as Brian has ditched me for some American woman he knows and I am left here to make Champ for the school event we are attending on Friday – I feel like the old housewife…
Young_Leader: Emma Gibney Journal_EntryOh, I forgot to add that I have found my soul mate, much to the disappointment of Aisling. Jack you are the man and do you have any Cat Stevens or Don McClean with you???? God bless, Emma
Young_Leader: Emma Gibney Journal_EntryDid everyone enjoy the weekend?? Well, on Friday night we all met in Xando’s (of course) and more meetings were held. After this an eventful outing was made. We all went to Brickskellers and tasted a few liquid beverages from around the world..But this was not enough for some of the hard partying amongst us. We therefore decided to head of to good old Lucky’s – in the rain. When we arrived there we were told that our elite group would make the place look bad so, were refused entry – I think this is because we all looked like drowned rats to be honest…We then went to a bar that Sean Doherty showed us but again we were not impressed by the clientele or the fact that it appeared to be if you bought a drink you also got a free massage….I would just like to ask the question as to what type of bars you frequent Sean?????? Anyway we again began our travels onto another bar, which was recommended by an American who had joined the group for the night, and we ended up in the Tequila grill. This was interesting – especially the dancing techniques of some of the women and Irish men there….Saturday was just as interesting. The group met for a ‘listening day’ which was designed to give us all time to stop and take in the events of the last four weeks. Although many did believe that certain activities did not work effectively as the group was just too big and the knowledge we all have of eachother is very limited to make judgements so easily. The night was spent in Jenny and Bronagh’s, were we all had a very pleasant evening, especially those who were at the bottom of the garden (anyone at home do not believe what other interns write about this quiet and peaceful night). I had a new bed buddy last night and although I missed Aisling I did not miss her snoring like a hippo….Oh and thankyou to my bed bud for making sure I was o.k last night and I’m sure you were impressed by my knowledge of garden plants and bathroom decorations ….. Today, after a promised but unpresented cooked breakfast from our waitress Sean Doherty, we headed to watch the Ulster final. Armagh won (if anyone did’nt know from Brenda already)and we only watched the last 8 minutes of it as someone in the group cannot calculate the time difference between here and home…Anyway I am now feeling drained and am going off to sleep on the floor with the dogs as I do not have the strength to move my body from the living room down to the basement. If I do get there I’ll be crawling…..Thankyou and God bless America.
Young_Leader: Emma Gibney Journal_EntryWell, what a week!!! I am exhausted with all the hard work and hard partying. Well, after a wonderful weekend I relaxed on Monday night by babysitting my young man friend Max (apologies to those I had promised to go to Xando’s to meet). On Tuesday night Paul’s contact group and the Leadership Council went to Paul’s house to discuss events and issues that have arised. We ate loads of pizza (which I feel that I am slowly turning into) and like always when this was finished we headed out. On Wednesday we went to meet the Young Leaders Board of Directors. The evening ended up being extremely inspiring and I would like to personally thank all those who put the effort in to ensuring that we heard and realised that not everything in Washington sparkles. We spoke to a young girl called Ann who I believe has been one of the most encouraging and inspiring people that I have had the privilege to have met here (that includes my meeting with Bill Clinton). When she was talking all I could think of was what did I do with my time..How did she have time, effort and strength to continue and persevere with such a hard and demanding lifestyle. Anyway she has touched my heart and I hope she gets everything she has and continues to work hard for. So onto the rest of the week. Well on Thursday a group of us went to the Secret Service which was fascinating and Adam of course asked the million dollar question “who killed JFK?”
Young_Leader: Emma Gibney Journal_EntryHello, Aisling and I have just arrived back from New York – tired and partied out!! Well what can I say about New York – a lot of Sailors and Cows!!!! Yes most of the military and navy were in town for the 4th July celebrations (not that I was interested to find out why they were there of course) and cows were plastered all over the city – full sized and plastic. This was an art exhibition for the month of July. The cows had all different patterns and designs on them which made them extremely fun to look at. Anyway we went to see The Music Man on broadway which was fantastic and visited Little Italy and China Town as well as purchasing several tacky New York items. Anyway I yes tired again and must go to sleep as a busy day beckons – love Emma.
Young_Leader: Emma Gibney Journal_Entry
Well today has been the most exhausting day since I’ve got here – although yesterday comes in a close second. Work was hectic as usual with me drafting letters to congress ‘people’ – as you can tell as always I am politically correct, inviting them to the Capitol Hill Day. I am also exhausted as I am the hardest worker on this program. Not only am I the hardest worker, I am the hardest worker, in the smallest office with no air-conditioning – dedication or what???
Young_Leader: Emma Gibney Journal_EntryWell, it is 1.20am on Friday morning and I am just sitting here stunned. Today was the day to take the Project Children to the circus…. this definately assured me that I want to be single for a long time to come. Most of the day was spent trying to follow the little mites to make sure that they did not hurt themselves and I have just realised the responsibility and hard work needed to work with children – I hope I will last. But when 6o’clock came I thought that I would just get on the metro and see where it went, hopefully far from them!!!!!!! However, my trusted helper (Orla) which I thank so much for all her hard work today, decided that to soothe my nerves we would go shopping and of course this worked – like it does everytime. Like last week the group headed to Nanny O’Brien’s and were relaxed by the sultry tones of John and Aisling, which are as always extremely appreciated. Well I must go as I am exhausted and feel like sleeping here under Kathy’s wicker table as I don’t think I have any energy left to make it down stairs to the basement. See you all later, love Emma.
Young_Leader: Emma Gibney Journal_EntryI feel that although Aisling tried to ensure that I was incapable of making it to the Whitehouse with my very good friend Mr. Dawson, by putting grease on the stairs to ensure that I fell, I owe it to all you to document the event. Well, Brian, Ciara, Debbie and I went to the Whitehouse at around 5.30pm after Brian dragged me around the whole Whitehouse for 45mins previously as he did not know the way in – I mean the guy works there!!! What is his problem? I don’t think his homeing pigeon device was working but hey can you blame him he is from Galway???? Well, we went in and Ciara spotted the President although she openly commented ‘it looks like Bill, but it is’nt Bill’. When we discovered that it was really him and not his stunt double we were eager to meet him and of course talk ever so quickly to him – like true Irish people do. Although he spoke back to us I think that he did not understand a word. Anyway once we had met him we decided to go and meet the rest of the commoners near the Lincoln memorial. Aisling was not there although she promised ever so sincerely that she would – still bitter I believe. We watched the fireworks and spent the rest of the night in XandO’s which ended the night. Anyway must go as Aisling ‘the wench’ is casting her spells and needs to use the computer as her wand. Take care, love Emma.
Young_Leader: Emma Gibney Journal_EntryWell I again apologise for not writing sooner but I’m recovering from the night out at Nanny O’Brien’s. Work was quiet on Friday, even though I still had many things to do and phone calls to make. Although Friday seemed to be a quiet day tongues were waggin’ about the night before as was the net, but I’m not saying anything!!!!! Friday night Aisling, Brian and I had a quiet night in, with our host family – the lovely Kathy Hepler and Rich Field. Aisling and I spent the night eating, as usual. The three of us also watched two movies and lucky Brian watched them in our bed with us. Today Brian and I went to the pool and relaxed before I have to go to collect the kids on the Project Children program from the airport. I am looking forward to doing this and gaining experience by spending some time with them. I can’t believe I have so much to do and will gain great experience with children from this. Anyway I must go as again I have to obey my stomach and it is time to munch. Bye!!!
Young_Leader: Emma Gibney Journal_EntryAnother rainy day in Washington DC, well I’m sure it won’t be like this for long, so we better enjoy it. Work again today was hectic with arrangements and letters being sent to American families to prepare for all the children coming from N.Ireland. I don’t know if it is to prepare them for the coming events arranged or to prepare them for the type of wild children they will be taking on!!! – only joking. Anyway I forgot to mention yesterday that I was asked by my dear, close friend Brian to go to the Whitehouse on the 4th July, for the celebrations and I am so excited about going. However Aisling is disgusted by his betrayal of her friendship, but my words of encouragement for her are – you are luckier than either of us as you are getting to meet Dave Trimble and Seamy Mallon!!!! Anyway I’ll take picies for you. Anyway must go as we are getting ready for another night on the tiles with a traditional irish night. See you later, Emma G.
Young_Leader: Emma Gibney Journal_EntryWell, this is my first entry, slow you may say but I’m a very busy with work, drink and men. Work is extremely busy but I love the fact that there is only a few in my office and that I do not have to be dressed in a suit everyday. I am completely overwhelmed by the opportunities that we have all been given and I still can’t hardly believe that I am actually here in America and am doing so much everyday. It is almost like I cannot take it all in – sometimes I want to stop and just look around, as I feel that we are always busy doing things and do not have enough time to appreciate the whole experience. So far we have been given fantastic seminars on leadership and cultural change and acceptance, tours of the capital and dead people and have been to a great party on Friday night thrown by the generous Fitzgeralds. Well, today I am quite tired after a hard night on the tiles with some of the group although I’m sure that the ones that stayed on in the bar feel worse than me as they were keen to stay to watch the bingo being called – eh Niall!!! Anyway, I must go as I have labels to stick on envelopes at work and a cake to eat as I should be graduating from Uni today with strawberries and cream but I will enjoy the chocolate cake instead. Write soon, Emma G.
Young_Leader: Emma Gibney Journal_EntryEmma, welcome to Young Leaders 2000 from the Webmaster. We all look forward
|