Tommy Collison

So, caught a lift with Patrick into down. Got dumped on O’ Connell’s Street and went off to do my shopping. I hate shopping. If I was in any way artistic, I’d make everyone’s present. I really would.

I fell about the place in Eason’s (and got some sympathy, although that wasn’t my intention) and almost got pushed down the stairs in HMV, just as I predicted.

I’d love to say I had it all planned out where I was going and what I was getting there. Nope, wrong guy. I ambled into HMV and went upstairs to the DVD section. Line stretched to back of shop and beyond. “Nah” I thought. “Not worth it“.

I did get a present for someone in O’Mahony’s, which brings me onto one of my pet peeves. I like asking the assistants where things are. I’m lazy and I was tired and in need of chewing gum, so I wanted to get my present for X* and get out. I asked him where the Y* book section was.

When I ask someone that, what I’m hoping to get is “first floor at the back” or similar. What I don’t want is someone to show me it. I really don’t. I take my time. I walk slowly. I go up stairs at my own pace. I hate having this indecently energetic and eager shop assistant bounding ahead of me and then having to wait for me at the top.

Moving on, I got the present and paid for it. The guy at the till randomly increased the price by €10 before I corrected him but eventually I was on my way.

I went up William’s Street to the bus station and asked the first bus did he go to the University? No? Fine. Check the second bus. Yeah, course I go. Good good.

I hop on and pay my 95c and grab a seat. I untangle some headphones and start playing some Dresden Dolls. Time? 15:48.

At approximately 16:02 I arrive at the University and John collects me.

*

I’m just finished wrapping presents as I write this. How good am I at wrapping? Let’s just say if you wanted a piece of art surrounding your present you picked the wrong child from the orphanage. Still, it does everything I want/need wrapping paper to do. It hides the present. You are now ready to place under the tree. No matter how much John shakes it, he should only have a rough idea what it is. Then, and only then comrade, have you succeeded.

I leave you with some random photos from today.

Doesn’t she look like Julie Andrews??!

Bus Eireann poster has a slightly Bondian look

Mum’s present. It reads Mum. Disclaimer: While this reminded me of you, it wasn’t the title. Honest

* Thing is, this is a public blog and my family reads it, so I can’t say what I got for who. One of the downers but whatchagonnado.