IRISH BY OSMOSIS

I've lived in Ireland exactly 5 years - the most transformative 5 years of my life. 

I've produced 3 little Irish babies. 

I've been fallow but creative.

I've done nothing to contribute to the stricken Irish economy, work-wise, sorry Enda. 

But my babies will become athletes and captains of industry and bring the country back to boom.

I've met hundreds of lovely people, who've all been so kind and welcoming. 

I've made so many friends. 

I feel I've really settled in this beautiful community. 

I can't imagine anywhere else on the planet where I would rather bring up my kids. We have loads of lovely local beaches, forests, parks and plenty of things for the kids (and me) to do. 

I have to drive everywhere - that's the only downside. After living in London for 13 years and walking or getting buses/tubes everywhere, this was the biggest shock to my system.

That and not being able to buy freshly-made sushi for lunch. But nevermind, I make my own now. Yum. 

After being in the UK for so long, the best thing about Ireland is its openness. Not only in open spaces and countryside but in the psyche of the people. 

Everyone waves and says 'hello', even strangers, which freaked me out a bit at first after arriving in from unfriendly, suspicious London. But I'm used to it now, and I love it. 

Everyone I meet is friendly, open, non-judgement and kind. 

And my accent is slowly picking up the sing-song Irish lilt. "Will we go so?", rather than "Shall we go then?"

I love saying "Thanks a million" and I've even recently shortened it to "Thanks a mil". Get me!

But the thing that has made me most native recently, is the good old favourite "Grand". It's grand with everything here. How you doing? "Grand", What do you think, "Sure it's grand", when the kids are trying to negotiate and I don't want to give in.... "Grand" said in the same style as "Whatever". Works everytime. Much better than the old Brit favourite "Fine".

It had to happen to me sooner or later. I resisted for so long. But grand is just so damn catchy. And everyone, including hubby says it all the time. I can't help it, it's sunk deep down into me now. In fact, I love it. It's my new favourite word. Five years here and finally I'm saying "Grand" like a repetitive parrot on uppers.

It's not such a bad thing.

Sure it's grand.