“Murphy’s Law”: a rule whereby if something can go wrong, it will. And usually at the worst possible moment.
Right now, I can’t help but wonder if it’s too late for a name change.
It all began with such promise!
Were it not for the one hour delay, and for the fact that I made the tragic mistake of trying the airplane chicken, I would’ve said our flight to the Emerald Isle was uneventful. Successful even. I would’ve said that, were it not for one tiny detail.
Is there anything more ominous when traveling than being the last soldier standing, empty handed next to a bare and rotating baggage carousel? You remain hopeful, for longer than you should, that you’ll see your belongings rise up through the hobbit hole of airport middle earth, and ride calmly toward you on the conveyor belt of dreams. But alas, at a certain point you must accept the truth, you’re going to be underwear-less for days.
Or in my case, bike-less. The one piece of equipment that is essential in making a documentary film about cycling around Ireland, failed to make an appearance at carousel number 9.
After much discussion, explanation, tears and pleading, the fine folks at the oversized baggage counter gave me every piece of contact information they could muster and were bidding me adieu as they instructed me to stay at a hotel nearby the airport. It was then that my man David yelled out “MURPH, hold up! I ‘tink they’ve found your bike at another terminal”! And like a vision, in slow motion, through the rain, they wheeled her, “the Red Divil”, from the wrong terminal back to my outstretched and waiting arms. We were reunited and all was right with the world again!
Crisis averted…but now it means I surely have to ride the damn thing! Faith and Begorrah!
We traveled across the country to Ennistymon, where I, along with my new friend and guest house owner, Tom Gallery, McGyvered my bike back together. What’s a few extra bike parts among friends?? It bears mentioning that I haven’t ridden a bike since I was 10, and Tom, not since the Irish Revolution.
At this point I shall pause and allow the guys from Wildrock Outfitters in Peterborough, to catch their breath. After they had to give me a lesson in tire replacement, I think I felt them encouraging me to consider a seniors organized bus tour instead. Nonetheless, Tom and I pieced that puppy back together and celebrated with greasy applause followed by intense, fall on your face fatigue. I slept the sleep of a thousand jetlagged martyrs.
After a day full of cycling and filming at the mist covered Cliffs of Moher, I picked up my Aunt Anne and Uncle Ken at the Shannon Airport. Apparently I’ve batted my eyes and beaten them down for enough years that they’ve signed on as my production crew and will be driving the support vehicle for the duration of the trip. Fine folk are they.
In the wee hours of the morn, before we were scheduled to depart on the ferry for the Aran Islands, I woke up in severe, searing pain. It was either a pulled back muscle or a heart attack. Who’s kidding who, it’s called Murphy’s Law…it’s obviously a heart attack. More to follow, but all I know right now is that my fingers on my right hand are numb and I can’t catch my breath. Not fooling around here kids. I’m actually frightened that I won’t be capable of riding. I feel like I’m letting ye all, and me Da, down. And for that I’m sorry. Alas, tomorrow is another day. And there are many miles to go before I sleep….and many muscle relaxants to consume along the way. Fingers crossed and prayers sent to St. Jude…he is the patron saint of lost causes afterall, right!?!
More to come…..xo
Murphy's Law - A Documentary Film 
Ahh, Miss Meg! That Murphy’s Law, eh? Keeping my fingers crossed and pulled the prayer beads out from under the bed! Love you bunches:)
Ahhh what amazing problems you have solved already and more for you currently! This makes for exciting reading and a lot of “what’s coming next?” Brilliant Meg, just brilliant the way you and your body have created tension with dollops of Irish luck to keep you on track. Fear not, we are not being let down and whatever twists you have in store for us will make exciting reading. If this was too simple it would not so charming, having said that, get that back checked if it doesn’t relinquish it’s grip. xo Kiddo!
Murphy’s Law…As KT Tunstall’ll have it, they’d be just “Miniature Disasters”, bound to pass. Perhaps they’re secret accomplices of the same kin. Go get ’em, Lady!
Hey there Nat! Secret accomplices indeed! Very wise words. Thank you – exactly what I needed! xo
Hang in there miss! No matter what happens, you have not let any one down! Least of all your Da!
Hey Miss Grady! Thank you for encouraging me! It means a lot. Love seeing your name in my inbox! (sounds ruder than it is)!!! xo
Hope you are ok and your heart slows down a touch so your legs can get speeding along…. waiting to hear more. x
My little Dharpini! I’m slowing my heart…feeling a bit like a second year voice class…thank you…mmmkkay! I love you! xo
Meg it will all work out! I know you will probably hear this a lot over the next few weeks but breathe and relax and see the great things ahead of you! Don’t worry, worrying will just create problems. Close your eyes and see everyone cheering you on and you will have a blast! I am envious of your journey and I am looking forward to following along with your blawg.
Hey Chloe! Thank you so much for reaching out! Great to hear from you! I’m doing as you say – closing my eyes and letting the spirit of everyone at home raise me up! Thank you for being a part of that. xo
Meggers! Cure these ills with a Guinness a day for the rest of the trip – Murphy’s Stout is pretty fine too 🙂
Meggers! Take a Guinness a day for the rest of the trip to cure these ills! Murphy’s Stout is pretty fine as well 🙂
A Guinness a day in the water bottles is always a better solution that Gatorade! Love you my little Tesser! xo
Aah, Ms. Meg! No beads here, but plenty of prayers from the “Catholic pew at Mark St. U” (or so your Ma called it 🙂 Hugs,
Murray and me
Hey Annie! Warm up that catholic pew! And tell Murray thanks for the tips – my arse is grateful! xo
Hugs! You can do it my friend!! Love you lots! xoxoxoxo
Thanks Robin!! Give my love to everyone and tell Soph when she’s going through my wardrobe she can also have my sweaty bike shorts! xo
Hope you are ok! Good luck on your journey!
Mikaela!!! My dear!! So great to see your name appear here! I’ve thought of you many times over the years. And I’m thinking of you again now. Hope our paths cross again soon. Much love and appreciation for reaching out. xo
Reblogged this on phatlemur.com and commented:
Updates from the Road in Ireland from Megan
Megan, glad to have found you. We were staying at the Deer Park B &B in Ennistymon the night you arrived. I clearly remember you telling us of your plans to retrace your fathers ride. It has taken me a year and a half to find information on the WWW but now I can follow your progress.