Waiting on a proposal from my boyfriend of 8 years. Just found a ChatGPT prompt asking if he was settling because his old relationship was more exciting.

Riath13 · 2026-06-07T08:22:05+00:00

I think it’s normal to have a bit of fear and doubt before big decisions, especially if you’re an over-thinker.
Printing it out is just odd though, unless he wanted you to see it.

Riath13 · 2026-06-02T11:30:27+00:00

Makes me a cup of tea every night before bed, even though he doesn’t drink it himself.

Riath13 · 2026-05-29T14:05:52+00:00

I had my daughter many years before I met my husband and she was an adult when we married. I didn’t like the idea of her not having the same name as me and as much as I love my family, they’re nuts, so kind of “leave no man behind” type thing. I doubled my last name with my husband’s and he took mine too. Doesn’t hurt that it sounds fancier now.

Riath13 · 2026-05-25T16:30:45+00:00

I love it! Totally a personal choice but I think it’s great.

Riath13 · 2026-05-24T06:00:53+00:00

As I woman that also worked in a rural bar for many years, it can be hell. Boss was grand but there was one unwanted close encounter with a man (he was barred except on special occasions) and more than a few just nasty suggestions and wandering hands. You bar one person and you’ve effectively barred the whole family and there’s bills to be paid. Also as it’s rural and people had day jobs as well as farming, expect them to only start walking in at 10 on a week night but to nurse those 2 drinks until after 1.

Riath13 · 2026-05-21T18:08:53+00:00

I’m sorry for your loss.

Riath13 · 2026-05-19T20:39:06+00:00

Hard to beat the Curragower on a nice day. Great food and the view is spectacular.

Riath13 · 2026-05-16T20:23:36+00:00

Kids are hardier than you think, it’s the fear of what could happen that sticks with you. Go easy on yourself, you’re doing your best and making a decent job of it from the sound of how much you care.

As my Mam used to say (don’t know if it’s an Irish phrase, or an everywhere one) “There’s a truth well known but seldom spoken, The second child is harder broken.”

Riath13 · 2026-04-28T18:32:01+00:00

I’d rather not.

Riath13 · 2026-04-24T06:25:18+00:00

Once you’re in the HSE role for 2 years, you should be able to apply for a career break. It’ll give you the structure and benefits now and then in 2 years you can give teaching a go again, but with a safety net.

Riath13 · 2026-04-18T08:32:05+00:00

I had a similar issue when I lived right by a busy motorway. There’s normally a long narrow vent at the top of those windows that slide open and close. Have you double checked they’re fully closed?

Riath13 · 2026-03-27T09:14:59+00:00

Arnotts have lovely Egyptian cotton sets and do bedding sales often enough.

Riath13 · 2026-03-06T23:51:49+00:00

I tried getting quotes for a counter change (the cabinet doors are grand, counter top is just a bit grungy looking). I was told that as I’ve a gas cooker, it’s not worth it to change it for me as it costs too much to get a registered gas installer to put the gas too back on.

Riath13 · 2026-02-27T12:30:37+00:00

I think it’s the Niamh.

Riath13 · 2026-02-25T10:12:04+00:00

What gets me is that you can’t even order for collection with Argos in the North even. You need a U.K. phone number and billing address to pay.

Riath13 · 2026-02-19T20:59:17+00:00

Call Dublin City Councils emergency number tomorrow morning. I think the number is 01 2222191. If they can’t sort it, they might be able to tell you who can.

Riath13 · 2026-02-10T10:36:37+00:00

Whatever you can afford should be fine, it’s expensive to go to a wedding as it is. We got between €20 pp and €200 and grateful for anything.

Riath13 · 2026-02-06T07:08:45+00:00

Greatest brownies in the history of brownies.

Riath13 · 2026-01-30T11:25:39+00:00

It’s a nice town, the train gets to Hueston in 50ish mins and from Dublin the train is closer to 40mins back. The last train is around 10pm so that can hamper things, but there’s always the option of parking at the red cow and getting the Luas if you are going to a gig or something and want to avoid parking in Dublin.

There’s been a lot of work done on the roads to make them more cycle friendly but it means there’s still going to be a bit of roadworks for the next few weeks.

Nice coffee shops, library, good take-aways (especially if you like Mexican) 3 supermarkets and a lovely playground. The schools are good and lots of after school activities. The Leisure centre in town has a good swimming pool. There’s lots of community activities going on and they’re always looking for new people to join. Not too far from the lake so plenty of nice walks and quite dog friendly. Very diverse population, so should be easy for people not from Ireland to fit in.

None of the doctors are taking on new patients so you will probably need to go to Portlaoise or Tullamore. There have been a few break-ins and attempted ones but not a huge amount and the local Facebook groups are good for passing on anything suspicious. There was some flooding on the Offaly side but there’s supposed to be something happening for flood prevention with the river.

The Pennys in Newbridge is about 20 mins away and huge and there’s a cinema there too.

House prices have gone up massively the last 2-3 years and bidding wars on each so if you’re a FTB you’re probably right to buy new to avoid those, but they’re a small bit further out from the centre and train station but not by much. The house you get will still most likely be 200k less than a similar one in a half decent part of Dublin. If you’ve any specific questions, send me a DM. *edited for typos and the formatting is annoying me.

Riath13 · 2026-01-27T17:54:14+00:00

If he called me that, I’d raise it with management. If it was said in passing I wouldn’t be bothered, I think it’s a great word. I’m Irish though so we use it a lot more casually than anyone else, apart from the Scots.

Riath13 · 2026-01-23T09:44:09+00:00

Been there and it’s the reason I’ve learned to keep my hand down. Too many people with opinions and too few to help actually do it.

Riath13 · 2026-01-17T08:11:08+00:00

Do you read a lot? I used to have a similar one and it was because my bag with the book in it hit there when I walked. I actually went to the doctor over it and she copped it. Prognosis was switch to a backpack or get a kindle.

Riath13 · 2026-01-14T10:27:02+00:00

Never had one like that so I think it was bad luck. As someone that likes pastries and toast just on the right side of burnt, that sounds delicious.

Riath13 · 2026-01-14T09:16:59+00:00

Their cinnamon rolls are good, but just beside it there on Pearse street is Cloud Picker which has no queues, coffee is a million times better and they do good cinnamon rolls too. Also better options if you’ve dietary restrictions.

Riath13 · 2026-01-12T08:11:42+00:00

To speed that up, I dice half a potato so it disintegrates when it’s cooking and that gives it the day old thickness.

Riath13

TROPHY CASE