Long time, no blog- I know! Things have been hectic for me
lately- with grad school applications, traveling, and a very full schedule at
work- in addition to some personal issues that waylayed my blogging. So here is
a little catch up on the last few months (a February one will come soon as
well).
Christmas in Ireland
I wrote a few months ago about the difficulty and excitement
of celebrating Christmas in another country. In the end, I really enjoyed the
opportunity to learn about Christmas traditions in Ireland and celebrate the holiday
with my new friends in Wexford.
After Christmas, I headed home for a week and a half. I had
the wonderful treat getting to fly First Class on the way home (shout out to
Paddy at Aer Lingus for the upgrade). I loved getting to spend time with my
family and friends after months away. Whether it was restaging Christmas day
with my family, ringing in the New Year with my dear friends the Tarpleys, or
grabbing margs and tacos with my Golden Trio of BFFS- every moment of my time
at home was refreshing and comforting.
One of the best parts of being home was spending a few days
at our cottage in Port Sanilac. Our lakeside cottage is one of my favorite
places to visits and it’s a really special place in the winter. Walking along
the icy beach and through the snowy forest are always really magical things to
do in the winter. When not exploring outside, it was great to practice the
snuggly art of hygge by spending time inside reading, writing, and drinking
tea.
Just like that, my time at home was over and I was back in
Ireland! My first week back was spent alongside Curracloe Beach for our
mid-year work retreat. It was such a treat to be joined by Father Pat Reidy
from Notre Dame who facilitated the retreat. It was great to catch up with
other Teach Bhríde members, spend time walking along the beach, and refocusing
for a new “semester” in Ireland.
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And just like that, I was back into the swing of things for
another few more months in Ireland. I’m so grateful for the midyear break which
gave me the opportunity to relax at home and see love ones. It’s crazy to think
that the next time I’m home, my time in Ireland will be done!