Are you happy with the person you've become?
Fundamentally I am a good person, generous, kind and loving but at this moment, no. Not at all. I am 25 years old, I am stone cold broke and I have had to move home to my family home because I managed to fuck things up so badly. I have only just turned 25 and with that milestone has come a new mentality. In previous years, If I was in the same situation, I would be laughing about, chalking it down to experience and saying such is life, reveling in the experience. But at my age, it is not funny anymore, I can't smile, wink and shrug my shoulders and tell myself I am a free spirit anymore.
Just a few weeks ago, a friend of mine said something which really made me think. We were going through a strained period and there was a couple of conflicts and he stated that he didn't agree with 'how I lived'. I got angry about it. I was thinking 'How dare he judge me like that, I make no apologies for the choices I make' but after more consideration I couldn't help think, how long can I be a monumental fuck up for?
What's a sound you hate; sound you love?
Picture the scene, you are laying on your bed or have your feet up on the couch. It is a Sunday afternoon and you have just eaten a delicious and hearty meal, lots of carbs. There is an old movie on and it is freezing cold out. You have the heating on, possibly even a fire lit. You are so relaxed and suddenly it starts to rain, you can hear it splash of the window and you cuddle up to the nearest thing, your pillow, a cushion or your boyfriend. Bliss. The sound of rain splashing of a window pane whilst you are full, warm and cozy, it is just heaven.
One sound I hate, to the point it actually gets a physical reaction from me. Nails on chalkboard. Even thinking about it sends a chill down my spine and makes my skin raise in goosebumps.
What's your biggest "what if"?
What if I had gone to university? What if I hadn't met Dwight? What if I hadn't moved to Manchester? What if I hadn't moved back? What if my house hadn't burnt down? Twice? What if I had not been revived? What if my attempt hadn't failed?
There are a few, they don't nag on my mind all the time. I am not massively pre-occupied with them either but sometimes, when I am thinking, they pop up and I try to imagine how different my life could have been or in some specific 'what if's' the friends of my family or friends had I not been around anymore.
Do you believe in ghosts?
No, not really. I would almost like to believe in them. I would like the world to have a bit of supernatural mystery. Can you imagine how fun things could be should the events in movies like Paranormal Activity could actually happen.
How about aliens?
Aliens, like those brought to life by Ridley Scott? No, but it would be arrogant of us to assume that we are the only life force in the entire galaxy. That just this one planet was blessed with evolution.
What is the single best decision you have made in your life so far?
The best decision I have ever made, could be the worst decision I have ever made. Moving to Manchester back in 2007 was the start of an incredible journey. I met some of my best friends in the city, I fell in love for the first time, real love, head over heels, irrational love. I had some of the best experiences I never even knew possible. I reached a level of happiness there, I never even thought possible.
It could also be one of the worse decisions I have ever made also. It has taken over my entire existence, I feel so conflicted. I love the city, my friends and the freedom it gives me but at the same time, my family is in Dublin and I want to be able to enjoy both. I know I can't have both and I am incapable of deciding where it is I actually want to be.
What's the worst place you have ever been to?
Trying to think of answer to this question, I have actually realised that there is no place I have actually hated. I have never been somewhere and thought, I hate this, get me out of her. To give at least some semblance of an answer I tried to think of nights out I didn't enjoy or parties which were not fun. The best I can do is share a story about a party which turned into a disaster.
My friends Dee and Matthew were throwing a party at Dee's parents house, they had gone away for the weekend, we were all about 17 or 18 at the time. Her parent's lived in the same area as my Sister and Dad called Ballyfermot. This particular estate is a bit of crime hot spot, stolen cars, gangs break-ins etc. The party was in full swing, everyone was having a good time and getting drunk. I guess it got a little bit loud as gangs of other teenagers started to hang around outside and trying to get in. A group of older guys came and Dee and I were starting to get worried but we thought asking them to leave me cause a conflict and escalate any worries we had.
The guys started getting rowdy and before we knew it, a fight started to break out, the older guys, got into a fight with some other dudes and and someone was cut with a kitchen knife, girls were crying, I got into a scuffle with some other people. Luckily the police and an ambulance came and everyone cleared out. The guy that had been cut, luckily wasn't hurt to badly, even though there was blood every where. Dee and her younger sisters were crying and I was trying to hold myself together. When things first started kicking off, with the knife and the fight, I was genuinely terrified but managed to hold myself together. By the time I got home to my Dad's, my Sister had just got in from a night out and she could tell I was upset. As soon as she asked me what was wrong I broke down like a little girl. Trying to tell her the story between cries.
Can insanity bring on more creativity?
Yes, I believe it can. Some of the most infamous and talented artists in their fields where absolutely barking mad. I also believe a dedication to your craft can lead to insanity. Just look at Lady Gaga, bitch be crazy!
Most attractive actor of your opposite gender?
Although not massively successful but amazingly talented, I find Eliza Dushku of Bring It On, Buffy and Dollhouse fame to be really attractive. Her dark looks and husky voice turn me on as much as woman can. Plus she seems like such a fun person in real life.
To you, what is the meaning of life?
I have no fucking idea, I try not bog myself down with 'why are we here'. I just do what I do.
Define “Art”.
I think of art as any form of expression or action which deliberately effects or stimulates our senses, our emotions or our minds. From the writing of a song, to the construction of a story. I also believe that every single one of us is an artist. We all have the potential to create something wonderful.
Do you believe in luck?
Yes, I do. I often consider myself very lucky. I always manage to find something or land on my feet through random times of great luck. It sometimes makes me think, there must be a higher power looking out for me.
In your opinion, what makes a great relationship?
In my head, the ideal partner is someone who understands me, someone who I have almost everything in common, from our outlook, to our experiences and our sexual preferences. Someone that makes me laugh, makes me think. Who challenges and inspires me. He can identify when I need my space and doesn't resent having to give it to me. Give me the freedom to spend time with my friends and also has healthy relationship with people outside of our relationship.
What's a song that always makes you happy when you hear it?
Where were you yesterday?
I was at home, in my Mothers house. I didn't get out of bed till late. The night before I had been at a 30th birthday party which was held for my Brother in law Alan. I didn't drink and I was feeling a little down, missing my friends in Manchester. When I got home, I got high and stayed up until almost 9am, so I didn't wake up until the afternoon.
Later on in the evening, my Mother and decorated our house with Christmas decorations.We decorated two Christmas tree's. One real and one artificial. I love the smell of real tree and I am pleased with how it turned out. My Mother always makes our tree very classy and dignified.
What's the worst injury you've ever had?
Although I have had some operations due to some serious medical issues, I actually haven't been injured that often, which considering some of the mishaps I have gotten into, is nothing short of a miracle. But in the Summer of 2010, my Brother and I had rented some bikes in the Phoenix Park. We had been cycling all day and came across a pretty steep hill with a dirt track. It was really high and possibly very dangerous. Well, it was actually very dangerous, but we decided we would throw caution to wind and roll down it.
My Brother went first and he bombed down it and got to the bottom safely. When it was my turn, I pushed back and peddled down, going incredibly fast, it was awesome. But as I got to the bottom, I realised I wasn't slowing down in time and I was at risk of hitting into a raised area of grass and stones. In my panic I slammed the brake, the wrong brake. My front wheel jammed and I went over the handle bars and seemed to be sliding forever, when I finally stopped, the bike flipped and landed right on top of me. My back, shoulders and knee's were completely cut up, the bike had winded me and broke 2 of my ribs. Even though I was injured, it was still fucking epic.
Do you have any obsessions right now?
In a way yes. Being in such close proximity to so many opiates, strong opiates. It is a struggle not to take them and If I don't keep myself occupied, sometimes, it is all I can think about. Obsession is probably a strong word but it is a constant thought, even in the back of my head.
What's up?
Not much, just lying here naked, thinking about you.
Ever had a rumor spread about you?
Yes. When I was with my last boyfriend, his friends were always spreading rumors that they had seen me with someone else or they had spoken to someone who said I had slept with them. One of them had even cooked up this elaborate story saying I had fucked him in a sauna and brought him back to our flat whilst my boyfriend was out.Funnily enough, the times where I had slept with other people outside of the relationship never came up.
Do you believe in real magic?
Similar to the question regarding ghosts, I would like to believe to that magic is real. For those who have seen the Craft. How cool would it be if that stuff could actually happen?
Do you ever hold grudges against people who have done you wrong?
No, I don't. But saying that I have never been wronged so much that I have wanted to cut someone out of my life. It's usually how they react after they have wronged me that makes me reevaluate their place in my life. If they are sorry, then I can move on. If I know they are sorry, then nostalgia usually overrides any feelings of anger.
What's your favorite (non-pet) animal?
I love bears, I know they are vicious killing machines but wouldn't you just love to meet a gentle bear and give them a hug?
What is your secret weapon to get people to like you?
If I meet someone, in a social setting and I find we are not clicking or gelling like we should. Especially if we have friends in common or they are someones guest, I will usually ask them lots of questions. Most people like to talk about themselves and it will put them at ease. When asking questions, I can then find out their interests and find some common ground we can then discuss and make the conversation flow better.
Where is your best friend?
I am very lucky to have a few people I consider 'best friends'. People who I would do anything for and would return that favour. Some are in Manchester and some in Dublin. I love them and I miss the ones I can't be with now.
What do you think is Satan's last name?
Preston























19 comments:
Ian, you seem like a really nice, and honest, person.
M. x
great Q & A
WOW! Now that's a post and a half!
I think I just learned more about you in this post than all the others I've read.
I think you'll do all right in life. We all go through ups and downs, and at your age, it's still OK. I hope at my age it is, too, cause you never know what will happen tomorrow.
Cool post, Ian, thanks.
Peace <3
Jay
1. Yes I am, i have no guilt. And I'm glad you have realised this now at 25, and not 38, like some ppl who i know have. :)
2.I love the sound of rain too, especially when i am inside and warm. I also love the sound of my boyfriend humming while he cooks or when he is concentrating.
3. What If my mum & dad decided to raise me in germany or iran? What if I was straight? what if i hadn't met dempsey and i was still best friends with ricky? What if the test came back positive. what if O hadn't met the people i have now. What if i didnt work where i work now?
4. I don't believe ghosts but i believe in people's free spirit after they die.
5. I do not believe in aliens.
6. When I was a kid my grandad died suddenly, the night before i was sat on his lab and we were playing and the next day he wasnt there. Out of all the grandkids i cried the most even though i was the youngest because we were so close. I felt most sorry for my grandmother, who unlike my mum who was crying really loudm, just sat in the corner and looked dumb and numb, after 50 years of marriage and how they lived and where they ended up, he was gone and she honestly looked like she didnt know what to do. Even though i was 9 or 10 i remember making a decision and a promise to myself i wil enjoy everyday like it was my last day and neverbe ungrateful for what i have, even if i am lying naked on the side of teh street in shit, there is some1 who is in a worse conditon somewhere else.
7. I don't know, probably flamingos in blackpool.
8. Insane peopel are the most creative. like you said look at lady gaga. Or John galliano who comes up with the most outragously creative haute couture designs. Like the tramp collection or the french revolution, or the african queen.
9. Kate Moss.
10. To me the meaning of life is to leave an impact and a legacy. People like Marilyn, Elvis, shakespear, Aristotle, Gianni versace, Michael jackson, Alecander Mcqueen... Long gone but we're still talking about them. that's what I want out of life.
11. Art is personal expression.
Tracy emin does it with a bed soaking wet with piss and period blood, and Madonna does it with pretending to masturbate on a bed in front of thousands of people at an stadium, live.
12. i believe in luck.
13. Trust.
14. Ain't no sunshine when she's gone.
15. Christian Dior party, London.
16. Slid on the pavement about half a meter with my face.
17. My obsession right now is my career. I would fuck anyone over right now to get higher in my job.
18. Not much, just lying here naked, thinking about you thinking about me.
19. Yeah, erm... sorry about those rumours. I didn't know you that well back then.
20. I believe in fate and god. It's a form of magic to me.
21. I hold HUGE grudges.
22. I just dont like animals, pet or non pet.
23. My Smile, my Smell and my flirt.
24. In Ireland, southern, not northern.
25. Marshall.
I think you're quite awesome myself. The world is a better place with you bud, broke or not. Things can only get better. 25 is not so old, you still have your whole life ahead of you. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Bror
Really! cool answers. You give in the more funny and honest way. Also, checked your other posts too. :)
I have to agree with the other comments. You don't seem that fucked up to me, really, just at a difficult spot in your life. I think you'll come through it just fine. Thanks for stopping by, too. Best wishes...
Great answers, very thoughtful, insightful and entertaining!
Loved your answer about the rumours...I'm the same way. Funny stuff!
Wow! I'm really glad I visited! Your post was intelligent, witty, compelling, you're a great writer and you seem like a great person :-) thank you so much for sharing!
Great job answering some tough questions!
I, too, moved far from home at a young age and was forced to move back home after some poor choices. It turned out to be a good move for me, and I hope it does for you, too.
Hopping over from Horseshoes. Loved your answers! Great stuff and very insightful. You seem like a doll!
Good morning (well, you are five hours ahead, so good afternoon!).
You are right, I very much enjoyed reading your answers, and for the same reason I enjoying filling these memes out - the details. fun is anything without the little details that together paint a full picture!
As much as I would try to get past two fires, that might be really hard. Any advice on how you did that?
Well, onward to other morning (for me) tasks. I hope I see you about on the Internet and I'm easily found on Facebook and Google+ - no one else has my name!
Thanks so much for visiting my Sunday Stealing. Your answers were so much more thoughtful than mine.
Thank you very much for visiting my blog. I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post today and you seen like a wonderful person.
My only complaint...you stole my saying :) "YOU ROCK!!!" hehe
I remember turning twenty-five - wow! Ten years ago, now. My life wasn't where I wanted it then, either, and it took a couple years before I was on the right track. Twenty-five was a big milestone for me, as a quarter-century seemed so ancient at the time. It definitely was a turning point, though again, it still took me some time to get where I needed to be in life. I understand someone not agreeing with how a friend lives his or her life, but part of friendship is accepting others. Whether or not you consider yourself a monumental fuck up, being judgmental to a friend about how he lives his life sounds kind of like a dick move.
Your answer to #2 is excellent, and the way you set the scene is very vivid and atmospheric. I, too, love those rainy Sundays. I got a laugh out of your answer to #3, particularly, "Can you imagine how fun things could be should the events in movies like Paranormal Activity could actually happen." Did you see that movie? Do you remember the ending? Either the theatrical ending or the ending from the DVD?
I hear that Manchester is great, but give Jill and I Dublin any day. It's our favorite city in the world, quite possibly moreso than where we grew up and currently live. Your answer to the relationship question is in-depth and very well-thought-out. We both went a bit more succinct with our own, but you did a great job with a very personal answer. Your secret weapon is a great one. I, too, enjoy asking questions in order to make people open up. If you make someone feel important, they will like you.
-Jack
I wish I could write like you. It's so engaging and entertaining. I liked how you used simple words such as "cooked" that just gives the overall sentence that flare; that flare when it makes the whole sentence sound so good.
http://stumblethesewords.blogspot.com
I am going to bet that home is where you belong, and with some thought and discipline, you can get on with the rest of your life. That is my holiday wish for you.
Wow... just wow...
I got nothing. You've blown me away with some of these answers. What a fantastic blog. Thanks for commenting on mine, I'm definitely adding you to my reading list. :)
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