Just this week I had a conversation with someone about moving to a new country.  During the discussion, we both came to the conclusion that after our first year away, living in our new location really started to become the 'norm' in our lives.  As I walked away, I knew this was why since the summer I have struggled to write posts on this blog!  Going the places I go, eating the places I eat, dodging traffic in city centre, and so on are 'just life' for me and feel entirely un-blogworthy :)

Today I thought I'd tell you about a day like I haven't had in a LONG time...The Quiet Day.  Those who know me best know that quiet and I don't usually mix.  I'm not the type to wander away to the mountains with a book and a journal for a day.  Much to my parent's angst, I realized early on that even studying was easiest for me in the middle of the living room floor with the TV on, or now in a crowded coffee shop with all the noise and commotion.  So how, you may ask, did I end up with almost an entire day of quiet?  And what did I do to survive???  Glad you asked!

 A few weeks ago, my friend Kathi (from California but living here in Ireland) found out she needed knee surgery.  With the knowledge that my own mother would kill me if I had surgery this far from home and no one was around for the 'just in cases', I offered my services...and TODAY was the day!

My day started early, and after she was admitted, I had about 7 hours to wait around.  It was a lovely, quiet hospital, and fortunately, it had a nice restaurant on the 4th floor.  So here starts the wandering...

Yes, first stop was the restaurant for a coffee and some breakfast.  I had completely consumed a whole wheat bagel and some cereal before I realized they were putting out the hot food!  It was probably better that way, but I was a little jealous of those able to enjoy the eggs, bacon, potatoes, and more.  Following my breakfast, I sat at my table looking out at the Dublin mountains and spent some time writing in my journal.  I loved not feeling rushed like I do most days with somewhere to be or someone to meet! 

Post breakfast, I found a quiet little waiting room with only room for about 4 chairs and worked on finishing the last 200 pages of my book.  Before finishing the book, wandered to 3 different waiting areas for a change of scenery.  My final spot left me trying to conceal a few tears for the characters in my book...I don't cry so pretty and didn't want to leave the other 'guests' alarmed :)  Stomach growling so now back to the little restaurant...potatoes and cabbage were on the menu! 

After a quick visit to see how Kathi fared under the knife, I had another hour or so to myself while she slept.  This time I set out for a walk.  To say that the weather recently has been beautiful would be quite an understatement...I regretted not wearing my flip flops today!  I followed the walk with another coffee and a Twix...you guessed it, back to the restaurant.

I really enjoyed my day!  Maybe because I wasn't the one having surgery.  The quiet was exactly what I needed and I found being away from my computer didn't nearly kill me.  I enjoyed the hospital and the very nice staff.  Again I was reminded me of my mom and recalled all the years of wandering around the hospital she worked at. 
Even the traffic cooperated with our trip home!

What a great day!  Anybody else having surgery? :)