2 week mark

2 weeks in, and it feels like months! It's so great to be back! Friday nights at stables are the same, always a great time, classes aren't too bad, and cappa is still awesome! Hope everyone back home is surviving this blizzard! I have to say i'm a bit jealous I'm missing all that snow!

Love you!

xo

ANDDDDDDD I'm back! I really still don't believe it, even though I've been here all day, moving into my new apartment in Cappa, and even just visited Stables... I don't believe I'm actually here! of course the reality of things is starting to set in as I met my first of 5 Irish roommates, and - classic Cappa- my toilet is broken. Anyway, first pint was had, unpacking is going well, and I guess I do still have to go to the morning 2 hours of orientation tomorrow. Oh well, then maybe after that while everyone is still busy I can actually get the motivation to go to the shop and get the things I need and maybe some food so I'm not living on granola bars and pretzels :) I don't think it'll hit me until tomorrow morning when I wake up here. But I've made it 'home' safe, the flight was fine, and I'm just getting myself together preparing for this weekend and first day of classes on Monday.

:)

What did you do...?

What did you do? How was it? questions I know for the next few weeks I will be answering on repeat. But honestly, what did I do? Lets see... I visited over 18 different cities, I made incredible friends, I lived in an apartment with 5 awesome roommates. I relied on public transport, (mom was surprised that I learned how to hail a cab.) I danced, I laughed, I dated, I sang Karaoke. I picked up some great music, I cried a few times too many with two of the best friends I could ask for, I learned the ins and outs of Limerick City (something that some might not be too proud of haha) I had a bill to pay monthly for the first time in my life and was never late, and I decided that I WILL live in Ireland again. What did I do? I had the time of my life! And leaving this place, that has been my home over the past 6 months on thursday morning is going to be incredibly sad. But it is time, its time to see the family and the friends, and the only way I can possibly leave this wonderful place is by leaving with the promise that I will be back, soon!
America- I'm almost home. ETA: Monroe CT 2PM
see you all soon!
cheers!
<3

The final days of my study abroad adventure

Just as I thought, Kerry was beautiful! Saturday thru Monday morning I was lucky enough to stay with my roommate from this semester Dan and his family in Kenmare. Their beautiful home with its breath taking views was the perfect place to spend my last study abroad bank holiday. It was so great to be in a family atmosphere again, and have some mom-cooked meals :) Dingle was nice, however I didn't enjoy it as much as I should have due to the bad weather and the fact that I was traveling alone- I am NOT one of those people who say once they traveled alone, they never wanted to travel with people again. not me. haha So now I'm in the real home stretch, with family and friends telling me daily they're counting the minutes... (as of right now its approximately 174 hours till I'm standing in my doorway with Bubba jumping on me.) And while I am coming to terms with the fact that this amazing experience really is coming to a close, AND while I am looking forward seeing all of my favorite people, to say this is bittersweet would be the closest I can get to what I am feeling at the moment. Savoring every last moment in my, sorry to say America but, favorite country FOR NOW is my goal everyday I have left. But have no fear, I WILL BE BACK. I'm already planning my next trip 'home' in two summers from now, and 'The Americans' of apartment 72 (meghan, emily and I) are already working on the America trip next summer for Dan and Eammon. Oh and, I'm eating as many potatoes as I can ;)
see you so soon!
cheers!
<3

2 Weeks.. the countdown begins.

The weather here since my last post has been incredible! Barely any rain and temps ranging from the upper 70's to low 80's -no humidity, and TONS of sunshine! It's really been summer in Limerick, who could have guessed! Well as of today, I have exactly 2 weeks until I am standing on American soil. My last Bank holiday (3 day weekend) will be enjoyed this weekend in Kenmare, Co. Kerry. Then Monday at some point, I will head to Dingle for 3 days 2 nights, some horseback riding and hopefully some more beautiful weather! Then when I return to Limerick, my last week will be spent taking my last trips to the city, packing and cleaning and enjoying my very last Limerick City Milk Market... for now ;) I am officially alone in the apartment as of tomorrow, as well as the only one left here from my program. There are some new summer school student who arrived a few days ago, so it is nice to see i'm not the only one in my village :) Anyway, here we go... see you in 14 days!
Love you all!
Cheers! <3

The home stretch

So, 25 days left in this beautiful country. Almost all of my friends headed home, my apartment is empty (as is campus) but it is the beginning of a new, wonderful experience..and i'm excited. Time by my self, to do..? whatever i want! hopefully cooking up a storm, and working out. Also traveling, i'm thinking Dingle, Wexford, and possibly somewhere in Kerry again (it was gorgeous the first time!) and tons of time to reflect on the fact that I have had the time of my life over here, and have to return to reality and all of my beautiful friends and family, and keene in the fall (UL does NOT have elementary ed, trust me i checked :) ) but I may as well enjoy the ride! hope all is well with everyone, I love and miss you all!

Cheers! <3

The end...for some

The last week of finals has arrived, meaning that my only two exams are happening this week, as well as the final finals for my roommates- its time to go home. This week its the boys heading home, next week all three ladies and I'll be here until June 14th! (any suggestions as to where to travel alone??) The beautiful weather and the promise of summer right around the corner is uplifting while we all wallow in the fact that this experience really has gone by way too fast. As sentimental as this week is promising to get, it seems to also be guaranteeing some tears. But for now, procrastinating like its my job and staring at the cows right out my window seems to be a good idea... I might even go for a walk :) Hope to skype some of you while I'm all by my lonesome-I'd love the company :) Miss and love you all!

Cheers! <3