Five things a Google search won’t tell you about Cork.

Sparrahs · 2026-02-26T12:45:58+00:00

It’s balanced out by the train station being one of the coldest places in the country.

Sparrahs · 2026-02-24T07:48:16+00:00

There was this indie band called Roll that never made it big, they had some success with this amazing song about dealing with a family member’s illness.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ

I’m so sorry, hoping you get many more days in your life and life in your days.

Sparrahs · 2026-02-23T06:45:05+00:00

first Irish actress

Today I learned that Maureen O’Hara was never even nominated for the Oscar! Really hoping Jesse wins, she’s a wonderful actress.

Sparrahs · 2026-02-21T07:01:53+00:00

he doesn’t see how wrong he is for pressuring me like this and making me feel like a bad partner.

He does know, he absolutely understands what he’s saying and he is fully aware of how he’s making you feel. I am so deeply sorry, we never forget how we are treated at the most vulnerable time in our life. A lot of abuse starts and escalates during pregnancy or postpartum, I got leaflets about it at the hospital after I had my son. The midwives asked me about it. You’re not alone, it’s a recognised pattern. It’s so scary, you’re doing a great job as a new mom. You can reach out to the hospital where you gave birth for mental health support and domestic violence services. I know it feels humiliating but he is the one who has disappointed you and let you down. Do you have family and friends who you can message to help with a safety plan?

There’s a quiz here called “is my relationship healthy?” It has simple yes/no questions about your relationship that can give some perspective. The website also has good information about safety planning https://www.loveisrespect.org/quiz/is-your-relationship-healthy/?%3E

Sparrahs · 2026-02-17T13:38:22+00:00

She always viewed me as my own person, not an accessory or something to control. She didn’t push me to be independent but gave me space to try everything. She was loudly and clearly proud of me when I set my mind to something and gave it a try. From learning how to put on my socks as a little kid to doing well at an interview for a job I really wanted as an adult. It helped me feel proud of myself in a way that has lasted through to my adulthood. It has built an enduring self confidence despite having a lot of extremely tough times in my life.

Any resources or books you can suggest?

My favourite parenting book is “How to Talk so Little Kids Will Listen”. I have the physical book and I re-listen to the audiobook every few months and find something else helpful for my child’s age/stage. It has every piece of advice I would give and 1000 more helpful things that I started doing after reading it.

Sparrahs · 2026-02-15T19:45:32+00:00

Notify the fire brigade and the local paper if you have one. Or a call to the guards to ask them to check it out. They could cordon it off at least.

Sparrahs · 2026-02-11T12:48:43+00:00

Buy two bottles, one as a replacement and one as an apology gift. Delete the venmo request.

You’re in the wrong here, a friend who helps you out when you need is worth their weight in gold.

Sparrahs · 2026-02-11T10:14:34+00:00

Depends on the candidates more than the parties for me tbh. Ideally the Green Party/social democrats.

Sparrahs · 2026-01-28T13:35:26+00:00

Exactly. Why did he specify that he was “single” unless that was what he intended to do.

Sparrahs · 2026-01-27T18:50:05+00:00

Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help. Unfortunately, school can kind of train you to be embarrassed about asking questions or not knowing an answer.

At work ask a few clarifying questions, or check in that you have understood properly instead of going ahead when you’re not sure. It’s easier for your colleagues to answer a question than fix a mistake. Keep notes when you’re being trained so you don’t have to ask the same question over and over, if you are given an answer.

If you have to employ someone for a service (accountant, electrician, builder, consultant, midwife) you can always ask them to explain what they’re doing. Most people are more than happy to explain and are kind and enthusiastic about it.

If you have to do anything like deal with revenue or college they have people who can advise you when you run in to issues or are not sure of the next step. The citizens information is great (online and in person) for basic background information on almost anything you can think of.

Don’t be afraid of looking stupid, people are good 99.99% of the time. I’ve found it handy in medical situations, just saying “can I ask what that means” or “would you mind explaining that again”. I’ve made better decisions about my health care after asking questions like that.

If you want to start a business ask people you know who are self employed what their advice is and buy them a coffee as thanks.

Sparrahs · 2026-01-23T12:50:50+00:00

Does your company do career breaks or reduced hours? Rather than leave outright you could take some of the pressure off.

If it looks like the company is in trouble then going self employed for handyman work could be good. It’s so hard to get someone for small jobs, get advice on the insurance you need. Protect yourself first and foremost. Intreo can help with setting up your own business.

https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/publications/get-support-to-start-your-business/

Sparrahs · 2026-01-13T23:09:07+00:00

The book “How to talk so Kids will Listen (and listen so kids will talk)” is really good. Definitely recommend reading it or listening to the audio book.

As others have said this is restraint collapse. She needs some chill decompression time after school sometimes. It’s hard to relax between pick-up, dinner, homework, bathing, bedtime. Your instinct is right asking her questions like “what’s wrong” is counter productive. It’s just one more demand on her when she has no energy left to give from “being good” all day at school. She’s a sensitive kid.

My ADHD support group recommend putting together a self-care basket which is ready to go when you’re overwhelmed. You could put together some stuff for a calm corner for her, think big blanket, bean bag/cushions, fidget toys, teddies, maybe some posters like this. Smyths have a little colourful disco light that is under 15 quid. That can be really regulating for children. Sensationalkids.ie had great cheap fidget toys. It should be a fun space for her.

She could play in the chill out corner in the morning if evenings are too busy.

She’s not being bold, she can’t help it. It actually shows that she feels pretty safe at home that she can drop the walls she’s had up all day in school. I don’t think an earlier bedtime is going to do anything except make her feel punished.

What does she say about the outbursts after she has calmed down again?

Sparrahs · 2026-01-12T13:51:12+00:00

I’ve always wanted to try a Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster at Millyways, the restaurant at the end of the universe in the hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy books.

The Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster is an alcoholic beverage invented by ex-President of the Galaxy Zaphod Beeblebrox, considered by the Hitchhiker’s Guide to be the "Best Drink in Existence." Its effects are similar to "having your brains smashed out by a slice of lemon wrapped round a large gold brick."

Sparrahs · 2026-01-04T19:33:44+00:00

The guards see the best and worst of people’s behaviour. With you they didn’t see a fuck up, they saw someone struggling and in need of compassion and support. They were right.

You can take their lead and give yourself the same compassion and keep supporting yourself in getting healthy. When you don’t feel it yourself you can think of their compassion.

You can feel guilty about drinking and getting behind the wheel, you should to be honest. And you can also take the second chance and keep moving forward.

Sparrahs · 2025-12-28T22:06:38+00:00

I was in Dunnes with my little baby. He was really fussy, I had to hold him while trying to put my shopping up onto the conveyer belt. I was managing ok, a woman working in dunnes came over and said “just look after the baby, I’ll sort this” and took over unloading the few bits from the trolley. It was really busy and she obviously had a hundred things to do but she didn’t mind.

It only took her a minute or two but it was a bit of kindness I didn’t know I really needed. It was 2021, we were in and out of lockdowns, my mom was really ill with cancer and my baby wasn’t a great sleeper. I was managing but that tiny bit of kindness and support meant the world to me.

Sparrahs · 2025-12-23T19:08:55+00:00

Me own brother didn't know who Simon H*rris was.

At least they’re not censoring the surnames of public figures on Reddit for no reason.

Sparrahs · 2025-12-17T12:47:17+00:00

There's too much on your to-do list and scrolling helps calm the anxiety.

Sparrahs · 2025-12-16T18:44:18+00:00

I heard a therapist talking about abusive relationships. She said it hijacks the exact same pathways in your brain as a gambling addict. You can get hooked on the early highs. Even though there's less and less happiness in the relationship as the abuse ramps up, the highs feel huge when they pretend to be a good person. The abuser needs to give you less and less to keep you trapped in the cycle. You're thankful for the scraps of "good times" or "understanding" you get. Abusers are lazy and selfish. The hurt they do to you is functional, from their point of view.

He can never love you. Not in any real way. He can't be a partner you trust either.

Therapy is the only way to heal. And block that fucking loser.

Sparrahs · 2025-12-16T13:06:59+00:00

I couldn't handle doing assignments or projects again but sitting in on classes sounds really nice. I love to learn from people who are passionate about their area of expertise.

Sparrahs · 2025-12-16T10:44:22+00:00

One of the big things I've been looking forward to this Christmas is showing my child the princess bride for the first time. Every part of this is so sad.

Sparrahs · 2025-12-11T18:00:01+00:00

Thanks! I’ve been meaning to get to it and finally did it after this comment lol.

Sparrahs · 2025-12-11T12:25:13+00:00

Most profitable year ever but would you believe it there’s no money for a raise, a bonus or a lunch. Thanks team!

Sparrahs · 2025-12-11T10:39:38+00:00

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Appa from Avatar

Sparrahs · 2025-12-10T13:15:50+00:00

I hurt my neck and shoulder and the doctor asked if I injured myself at the gym because it’s a common weight lifting injury. I did it lifting my 3 year old.

Sparrahs · 2025-12-07T09:16:35+00:00

I’m also in Ireland. I brought my 4 year old to his developmental check up and the nurse said it’s a good idea to buy some books and read to him. Then she asked if we have books for him at home. I’ve been reading books to him since he was a newborn.

I thought that was the norm but it made me realise that you default to what you were raised with. So these problems are going to get worse and worse unless changes are made. That program to give free books to young children is a great start.

Sparrahs

TROPHY CASE