The votes are in, the people of America have spoken...

Or did they? 126 million ballots were cast. That is a turnout of less than 60%. Given the displeasure voiced by Americans (both Democrat and Republican) at the path their country has taken over the last 4 years, I would have thought the people would be out in droves vying for their opinion to be heard. Perhaps both candidates were just underwhelming. Did neither inspire confidence as a leader? Or maybe the Electoral College is to blame. How disparaging must it feel to be a Republican voter in California or New York, or a Democrat in Texas? Essentially a vote cast in any of those examples is not only futile but has the added insult of being 'converted' into a vote for the opposition. What a slap in the face! Is it because the Election is on a Tuesday? Are you too busy? At work? Or does the early voting system now nullify that argument?

So how would you explain the poor turnout, one of the worst in the free world? To Europeans I imagine it is surprising to see a Western democracy with liberties (like having a vote) fought hard for to turn out in such low numbers. Having said that, I don't think we understand the role of federalism in your country like you do. The European Union's mandate pales in comparison to the significance of the federal government in America. Additionally, for the most part, members of European Parliament are not elected by the people (contentious issue). But perhaps most distinctly, each state is still an independent country. I still would like to ask, mostly because I'm just curious, why keep the Electoral College system?

All that aside, Barack won the popular vote too (albeit 50-49!). He will have 4 years to seek redemption-- a tall order. He appears to have been one of the least co-operative presidents in terms of bipartisan relations in recent times accentuated by the taking of the House of Representatives by the Republicans in 2010. Yesterday, the latest copy of The Economist landing in my letter box:

"Now, hug a Republican"

Let's hope he does because this graph doesn't make for pretty reading:

Good ol' Bill - an Irish favourite - getting some serious Green!

Ok. I'm done with politics. Sorry to put you through that. That is not why you come to our blog. You all know we hope to return to America for good some day. We just care about what state the country will be in when we get there. I'm used to getting nudged by the CA faction to return more promptly. In fact, as time goes on the subtle hints morph to gentle nudges to persuasive coaxing to aggressive prodding and the final straw I imagine will be some form of kidnapping. As I've said before Chula Vista could be on the cards perhaps even with a residence not too far from Tina and Ryan (by the way :-D ..... wait .... can I say? Better ask the wife first). Although La Jolla might be wishful thinking.

Anyway, enough dreaming. Train your minds. We are in Ireland for the time being. And we are the gateway to Europe for you yanks so get your butts over here. Use us while you can. Our home is transformed from minimalist yuppy pad to cosy B&B and so far most of our guests have been domestic visitors (e.g. the Noonans last weekend or my sister this weekend).

Avril just left. She spent a fun 3 days with us availing of many of the amenities that Chateau d'Madden offers; free internet, large bathroom, chalkboards for scrawling thoughts, free tutelage in Science-related subjects, ride to church, divine hot chocolates, copious amounts of haagen-dazs followed by living room workouts:

And even the odd MEGA-Milkshake or two.

Remember these Taylor & Heather?

Avril is progressing well with her studies. She is almost half way through a degree in Biomedical Science. She is loving it. It is a novelty for me to be at university at the same time as Avril. It is making us feel even closer I believe as we are sharing a common path now. She is far more studious than I though. I have an assignment that I was given 3 weeks ago due in 4 weeks that I have not even started. That is normal for me but completely foreign for my whiz-kid sister.

I'm helping her put some of her extra money away in stocks at the moment. I have promised to match all her investments so she doesn't worry about it seeming so complicated. And somehow she is even managing to do better than me at that as well! And I'm the one doing it for her! She is a talented girl. She does make me very proud. With her learning and hearing difficulties I am so amazed at how well she is doing.

Spending time with some friends at St. Georges Market

Ok, want to see something interesting (and depressing if you live here)? Scroll back up to the first photo of the Economist magazine I took. That was taken at 4pm. Pretty bright - no lights are on in the living room. Now check this out taken right now as I write to you at 4.30pm:

It is not even Winter Solstice!! In a month it will be even worse. Pray for Erin. As an Irish man I have grown accustomed to this - she can't stand it. We barely get enough sunlight on normal days!! On a positive note though, we'll be in Santa Barbara by the time Winter Solstice comes around! :)

Yes. I sprained my ankle. It was only minor but so disappointing. The volleyball season had just started. I had been kind of down about it over the last two weeks not being able to exercise. But I'll live. It could have been much worse. We lost our 2nd match on Friday night. I played despite better judgement being imparted on me. My ankle still quite hurts but lots of tape and tubigrip gets me through it.

I have to finish here. I was due a blog update and now I can check that off the to-do list scribbled on my blackboard. It was overdue. To finish, I'll post a picture that always makes me laugh. Who's reaction do you notice the most: