The Quiet Day... 03/24/2010
 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? :) 3 Comments Ok, ok...here's an overdue post! 11/15/2009
I know, I know...I have so let "all" of you down over the past few months with updating my post. In my defense, there ARE several contributing factors. First of all, since my move to Ranelagh, I have had very weak internet access (just ask anyone who has tried to talk to me on the phone). I thought this would be remedied by the end of October, but sadly it looks like it still may be a month or two. Secondly, I think I have felt that I've had nothing exciting to report. This fact may be because I have been here for 16 months, so Dublin life and my new friends, have now become a sort of norm for me :) The summer FLEW by and was packed with action and travel! Autumn has passed a bit slower, and I have found almost a weekly routine as I'm helping out each week at IBI. Winter (or at least winter temperatures) has recently arrived, and I can hardly believe we are looking at only 40 days left til Christmas. Following Christmas, I am GREATLY looking forward to a week back in TENNESSEE for my brother's wedding. Almost everyday, I think about seeing you all and how great it will be to catch up with a few during my whirlwind trip. Can't wait to hang out with the cutest little boy and prettiest baby girl in the world! I AM resolved to keep you better updated on my blog...so stay tuned! Check out my newest photos from a few days in Kinsale (WAY south). I spent a few days hanging out with the Maiden's kids, and took my usual 500 photos while the kids were all in school :)  Before some of you fear I died in the mountains of Spain, I better tell you all about my ADVENTURE! That's the best word to describe it...a few others come to mind (HOT, blisters, laughing, landscapes, cafe de leche, friends, and more) but none encapsulate all that happened quite like 'adventure.' "I'm praying for you..." 06/09/2009
 Have you ever had anyone say that they are praying for you? Have you ever said this phrase to anyone close to you? These are powerful words! Back for a visit... 05/03/2009
 Well, I made it back to the States for my first visit after moving to Ireland! It's funny when you are away from a place for a long time (ten months to be exact), how subtly things change and you even find that you've forgotten some stuff that you kinda miss.  Happily ever after... 04/18/2009
 Today is Justin and Lindsey's BIG DAY! Two of my favorite people and greatest friends are getting married and I'm so excited for them! Since I live thousands of miles away, and won't be able to attend...I decided to blog about it instead :)  Many things in life make me smile or laugh. Ask any of my friends on either side of the ocean, and they'll agree! Over the past two years, nothing has brought a smile to my face faster than seeing my nephew, Griffin. I love being an aunt!  The Adventures of Grant and Steph! 03/20/2009
 Sorry this entry has been delayed! Other things came up...like my car story and then St. Patrick's day! So, here we go... Anyone who has known me for a length of time will have heard this statement from my lips more than a few times. It doesn't always precede an unfortunate experience like a snow plow/lawn mower crashing into my car, seeing a criminal on the news that spoke to me the day before, or showing up to what I thought was a dinner with friends to find out it was a blind date. I've often used it to talk about great things like getting some amazing stuff free for no apparent reason (long list...it's my super power!), being COMPLETELY surprised by birthday parties, or receiving money from insurance or tax returns that I didn't know about.   Pancake Tuesday... 02/24/2009
Being a "veteran" of almost 8 months, I was surprised to learn of a new holiday here! Today definitely ranks high on my list of days...it's Pancake Tuesday. Last week several people mentioned "pancakes on Tuesday" to me, and I thought, "yeah, sure I'll join you for pancakes on Tuesday." Little did I know that EVERYONE was going to be eating pancakes today. |
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