Shawn O'Donnells

The other night, I went to an American Grill/Irish Pub called Shawn O'Donnells and thought it was worth comparing to the pubs I've been to in Scotland. Not that I've been to an Irish one, but there must be similarities.

It's a pretty Americanized place, for all its advertisement as an "Irish Pub." I don't think it's typical to have shamrocks everywhere, and a countdown to St. Patrick's day by the bar. American football was on TV. They had mac & cheese on the menu, which I've come to understand is an American thing, despite the fact the menu says "Irish Whisky Macaroni & Cheese."

I ordered their corned beef and cabbage dinner (with mashed potatoes), which came with soup or salad, and I chose to have the "Irish Clam Chowder." Again, not quite sure what made it Irish but it was all delicious. It also came with a side of Irish Soda Bread, which is not quite cake, not quite bread, but something better, inbetween. Dad got the fish & chips, which was also good but was different from what I've had in the UK, perhaps a different sort of fish or batter.

As for drinks, I was sad to see they didn't carry any cider, that I could see on the menu anyway. Hard cider, for those Americans reading this. There's a favorite among my Scottish friends called Magners Irish Cider, which I think would be worth them carrying, if only because it's Irish. They do have Guinness though, which they over-advertise, and my dad got a pint, which I tried a bit of. A little too strong for my taste, but I guess it usually is for people.

I've come here in the morning before, and their scramble with corned beef is delicious as well. So it's worth a stop, but don't expect anything too "authentically" Irish.

Christmastime

Today the plan is to visit West Seattle and go back to Easy Street Records, which I talked about in this blog post back in June. I have a few CDs in mind that I hope to find in the used section, namely the self-titled album Miike Snow and Daft Punk's Discovery or perhaps Human After All, whatever I manage to find. Afterwards for dinner, or before for lunch, we'll hopefully make it to Musashi's, a favorite Japanese restaurant that I talked about in this blog post from August. I've really been missing Japanese food, and lately I've been trying to satisfy my craving. I've probably gone out for sushi of some kind at least three times in the past week. I think I like fish and salt too much.

Christmas in four days. Unbelievable. All my shopping for other people is done, but I have wrapping to do. The only shopping I still want to do is for myself, but I'm nervous about trying to brave the mall. Even so, it must be done.

It's funny how I miss Seattle when I'm in Glasgow, and Glasgow when I'm in Seattle. I guess that's how things go. Best thing I can do is enjoy the moment. Which I'm doing with an English muffin, Skippy peanut butter, and Starbucks Christmas Blend coffee.

Enjoy the Christmas weekend, be it with friends, family, or alone, whether you celebrate it or not.

Back In America

Staying up till my flight at 6am was probably not the best idea. I was exhausted for both of my flights, so much so that the intense security didn't even bother me, I just wanted it over with. That aside, I'm happy to be home for a while.

We got a Christmas tree yesterday, which smells wonderful. I'm crashing on the couch usually, and it's fun to have the tree lights on at night.

It was so rainy this weekend there were flood warnings, and the local news was all over it like there was nothing else to talk about. I'm hoping we'll get snow before Christmas, though. It's been so long since I've had a white Christmas. There's rain/snow mix in the forecast, so we'll see.

It's interesting to be back in the US. At first I honestly thought it was strange to hear other people speak with the same accent as me, I've almost gotten used to being the one speaking differently. I also immediately noticed how commercialized this area is compared to Glasgow. Wendy's and Red Robin on every corner, where in Scotland the closest thing to a restaurant chain is the "local chippy" (which of course isn't a chain at all).

I'm almost used to the time difference already, but I still manage to chat with friends back in Scotland. Looking forward to a few weeks from now when I see my friends from Canada. Till then, I have touristy stuff planned.

~

Photo: Taken in West Seattle this summer. My Scottish friends are making me appreciate the mountains in this area even more lately.

Almost Home

I'm eating a sandwich for dinner, because someone ate my leftover spaghetti and I'm almost out of food. I'm fairly cold even though they are keeping the radiators on for three more hours each day.

I can't wait to get home.

All my lectures are over, but I'll have to go to campus a couple more times in the next week. Tomorrow, my team has our instant messenger project presentation (just about our progress, since it's a year-long project). But after that, and after another team meeting to sort out what we'll do over the break, I'm all done.

My flight is very early Saturday morning, so it's less than a week now. I'm wondering if, when I get home, I'll go back to my old routines and these past few months will seem like a dream, like it never really happened. I'm so far from what I'm used to that it might seem that way... except that I'll feel different. I've definitely changed somehow.

I also won't have my own room anymore. Mom's renting out our house, and is staying with a friend. Dad's place isn't big enough for me to truly have my own space. I guess that's what happens when you get older, eh? Gotta make my own "home" somewhere. But I'm learning more and more these days that home is not a room, not even a city. It's people. And it can change.

I'm sure soon enough I'll be missing Scotland and university and friends back here, but right now I'm missing Rainier, and Japanese food, and a Christmas tree. And family.

~

Photo: Nearby park in the snow. It's starting to melt now. Hopefully this isn't the only snow I'll see until I come back...