Posted by fústar in 
This year (for the first time since the event's inception) I've decided not to attend the Irish Blog Awards. The reasons for my non-attendance are as follows.
1) I'm having a baby (or, more accurately, I'm watching Jess have a baby).1
2) Actually…there is no other reason (see reason 1 for details).
I will, however, be there (Cork Airport International Hotel) in spirit. I mean that quite literally.2 My soul (grubby and stained as it is) shall hop on an intercity (Bus Éireann) transporter module and make the trip down in my stead. I'll be the blobby, vaporous one floating in the corner – composed of ectoplasm, light, and sin.
If you feel moved to vote/nominate then you can do so here (until the 14th of January).
Footnotes
Awh! I was kinda hoping to be able to say hello to you there.
I’ll have to buy you a pint instead. That and wish you and Jess a happy baby having.
Thanks, Darragh. I’ll email you on a postal address you can forward that pint to. Guinness please (or, given the setting, a Murphy’s).
Should be a blast (as per usual). Nice to get people out of the capital – though if anyone uses the expression “down the country” they deserve massive slaps.
It’s because of the move to Cork isn’t it?
:(
/goes to sulk in a corner somewhere. (Probably next to the ectoplastic version of yerself)
Go find yer own corner, ya sulky bitch!
If you do insist on cuddling up beside my ethereal self then don’t expect me to pay your dry-cleaning bills. Ectoplasm stains are a divil to get out.
I’ve been thinking about your hopes to have a baby on your lap for the awards.
Be aware that caucasian women’s gestation period is actually 41 weeks, not 40 according to the WHO.
And is this a first? If so, that makes a timely arrival far less likely.
In fact, if it comes to talk of induction, mail me, because I know of a really good acupuncturist who will do it far better, more gently, and without the nasty repercussions of chemical induction.
Ahhh, the joys of the Irish maternity system.
hey Fustar, I’ve forgotten where you’re located. Limerick ?
is that about an hour from Cork?
if you need a stretch limo to bring your entire family to the luxurious Airport Hotel, try renting this:
http://www.davidwallace.com/images/horselimo.jpg
I’m not expecting arrival to be particularly punctual. It is our first…plus she has my genes, so she’ll most likely want to avoid getting out of a warm, comfortable space for as long as possible. Waking up each day is only marginally less traumatic and momentous for me than the act of being born.
A little more – maybe an hour and a half. Far enough if you need to get to the local maternity hospital in a timely fashion (and you can’t drive).
Never fear. I’ll speak up for you.
A shame that you won’t be there, but the arrival of ones progeny is ever so slightly more important. I have just convinced John to go with me to the awards, but I’m not sure if it’s really his thing. Ah well the weekend away will be nice
Bock, I’ll write a short sonnet for you to say.
Ruth, I didn’t think I was my thing either when I first went, but it’s actually a very cosy and welcoming environment. John need fear not.