Working Woman, Student Ways

Last Thursday evening myself and Dan went up to the Stillorgan shopping centre to buy a squash racquet and some food. Walking around the deserted centre we were shocked. Late night shopping and nobody was around. It was eerie. A modern day ghost town. I remember for years walking the promenade with the bustling shops and the sounds of laughter and loud voices. Sitting on the bench and watching the world go back. Stillorgan Shopping Centre always held fond memories for me. I loved the selection of shops, the outdoor market and the shape of the centre. You know where the shops are and you can never get lost.
As we approached Lifestyle, we found that it was closed down. Imagine that? No sports shop. Even the health food shops had gone. All of Arnotts was closed for revamping. (I hope). It was a pretty desolate site. I don't know how many shops lay empty- seven or eight?? I lost count.
We ventured into Tesco's and bought the same food that we buy every week.
1 bottle of white wine (A different brand every week)
3 pasta dishes
2 jars of Tikka Masala
Potato salad
Chicken breast
Chocolate
Bread
Evian
Yogurt
Jaffa Cakes

Walking back to our car, we walk past Mc Donald’s and the place is brimming with people. We get into the car. “F**k it, let’s go in and buy a Mc Donald’s, but what about our food? We can eat it later." So we both head in. Families, groups of students and suits reading 'The Times' occupy the seats. It was like the old days again- I had forgotten- since the last few years I found I couldn’t walk into a Mc Donalds due to the smell-no way was that fast food smell getting on my designer dresses. I had been dining In It’s a 4, Rolys and Fire-little food for more dough.
I’m back to the old McDonald’s days- the student days. 3 times so far this week and counting.I’m expecting to hear Oasis on the sound system again. That one euro burger is damn good. Cheap burgers and expensive cigarettes. Mayfair 100’s might be a better buy.
On a lighter point, myself and the girls hit Dundrum Shopping centre tonight. It was pretty busy. Most of the shops I could see were still there except Principals. And all the damn colours were in winter hues. We are in Spring. You can see that there is a serious overload of stock needed to be sold. The only bright colours were orange and lemon yellow and you don’t need to be a genius to know that these colours really don’t suit the Irish palate. Coast informed us that the bridal season wear will be in stock mid May- a bit late for a June wedding I thought.
Harvey Nicholls was seriously overstaffed and under shopped. I could hear my own voice echoing as I called the girls. We headed off to Mao for a bite and the place was tight. Lots of parents and kids-it’s the upmarket Mc Donalds-we even left a tip.
All in all, We left Dundrum empty handed along with a lot others.
The only bags I seem to see these days are Penneys.