|
Post by celticsweetheart on Jul 24, 2012 10:23:53 GMT -5
- couple short ones I promise cause I'm exhausted with long ones. Meg returned home from visiting her parents on May 8th. Saturday morning my alarm goes off at 9 am. Must remember to change it to reflect my work schedule. I guess since I'm up I might as well get dressed and visit the bank. She takes the check out of her purse to make sure its real but it is and now she can breath a little easier. She wanders into the kitchen after getting dressed to get some breakfast. Its been a week of not having to cook which is nice but the reality is I have to make my own breakfast and coffee. I put on a small pot just enough for me since I don't hear Amanda stirring about and evidence in the sink says she's already gone for the day. I check out the cabinet to see what I can eat and they aren't bare which is a good thing. I pour myself a bowl of raisin bran and a cup of hot coffee with cream. I sit down at the table trying to collect my thoughts regarding the events of this past week. I have earned the trust of my parents, they know that I'm capable of making my own decisions. I repaired the somewhat broken relationship with my brother, who felt left out because he had no one to lean on or talk to. I promised I'd call him more often to see how he's doing. I'm very proud of him and all that he's accomplished and he's still in high school. I wonder what his future will look like he's much more athletic than I but I am more creative then him. Finished with breakfast I put my dishes in the sink and head to the bank to deposit this check. I'm sure it won't take long for it to clear but I need it to be there before I head to Ireland. I really need to go to my mail box to see if they mailed out the grades. At the bank the teller remarks on the size of the check. I say, "its a loan so I can go to Ireland this summer." "Wow that must be nice, so how long you going to be gone," she says. "About three weeks but not leaving until the end of June besides its not a vacation I'll be doing a summer term study abroad at Dublin City University," I say. She then does what she has to so that the check from my parents gets placed into my account. She hands me a receipt with the amount of my deposit along with the total amount in the account and the total amount that is available. Next I head to the post office to pick up my mail. I had them hold my mail for a week so I have to go to the counter to pick up what was delivered while I was gone. I tell them to restart my mail delivery. I check out my mail after the clerk hands it to me and retrieve an item from the university which appears to be my grades. I open it up to find that I now have a 3.0 gpa which is great, all my hard work has paid off. -will write more later.
|
|
|
Post by celticbear on Jul 24, 2012 20:44:02 GMT -5
Glad the money is now in the bank! NOW NO MORE STALLING! GET TO THE GOOD STUFF!
|
|
|
Post by celticsweetheart on Jul 25, 2012 1:00:17 GMT -5
- I swear I'll get to Dublin if not by the end of this post at least at the beginning of the next one.
I don't have to work this weekend which is great, more free time to do nothing. I decide to go into work to check out the schedule for next week. The place is moderately busy which is good and I wish I was working but I guess I'll spend this time doing laundry and getting ready for my trip plus I really need to sit down with everyone to make sure we are all going to be on the same flight to Ireland. Next week I'm working Tues - Sat at my regular 8 hr shift. I don't generally work Sundays because that's when they get an intern to do that job.
I stop at Subway on the way home, getting something for lunch. I get my sub, a glass of Pepsi and sit down at the kitchen table so I can go through my mail. Not a lot stuff that's important, the only important thing so far has been my grades. There is a bank statement along with a flyer for an event going on at the Fine Arts Center. The was something from CIEE Study Abroad Program. I open it up to find a welcome letter telling me when I should arrive in Dublin for orientation.
I decided to send out an email to everyone going with me to Belfast that we needed to meet to discuss our travel plans. I think we need to be on the same flight from Virginia and New York. So I suggested a little dinner and a little travel planning. Now I just needed to see who would respond so I know when we could meet.
By the end of the night I got a response from everyone involved in this adventure. Everyone was available Wednesday night. I suggested that we order pizza and make a salad and drink to embarking on a wonderful new part of our lives. Not many people get to experience studying abroad in a foreign country. I am blessed to have three great friends willing to join me on this adventure.
I called my brother before I went to bed Saturday night. I told him to remember that anything is possible. We chat for a bit mostly about school and his latest dive meet. He tells me his coach thinks he could get a diving scholarship which is great. He's an amazing diver, I've seen a video of his. He said his coach thinks he might have what it takes to represent the US at the Olympics in London in 2012. I say, "Wow, really that's so cool." We say good night and I promise to call him in a few days.
I send Neil a quick text telling him about my progress for my trip to Ireland. I'm waiting for my Irish Passport to come I sent all the required documentation in now all I had to do was wait 6-8 weeks. I'm pretty sure it will come before I leave cause it will make traveling in Ireland this summer much easier. I go to bed knowing that anything is possible and if you work hard the results are worth all the tea in Ireland.
Work is amazing and I really did miss it. I love my job but its not like work because its something that comes naturally to me. Wednesday is all I can think about on my lunch break, its really important that the four of us are all on the same page. I've checked out flights from Virginia to JFK and from JFK to Dublin. I know there is only two flights out of New York going to Dublin. What I don't know is will be all be able to be on the same flight.
Wednesday I get out of work and head to the store to pick up some a couple bottles of pop for tonight. We agreed to meet at 7 pm. I even pick up a bag of ice and some paper plates. I get home just a little after 6 so I change into something a little more comfortable. I love what I wear to work but after spending 8 hrs in it I'd rather be in something less proper and more relaxed.
At 6:30 I call Jet's to order an XL deep dish pizza with cheese and pepperoni. The pop is in the fridge getting cold. I got my laptop on the table poised and ready for action. Tonight is the night.
At 7pm the doorbell rings, I open it to see Tony and Kieran who ran into the delivery guy outside which is so cool. I pay the delivery guy, taking the pizza inside sitting down on the table. I love Jets pizza it rocks.
Now that everyone is here and munch on pizza and salad, we can get down to planning our travel plans. I asked everyone if they'd gotten a letter about university housing. Everyone had which was great now we could get down to finding a flight that had enough seats for the four of us.
I first check out Expedia.com to see how much it will cost for us to fly from Norfolk, VA to New York's JFK. I found 3 flights going from Norfolk to JFK through Delta. I opened another tab so I could search the Aer Lingus website. I wanted us to get the cheapest flights possible even if we had to go a few days earlier than we planned. I tell them if we leave on the 26 of June we'll arrive in Dublin on the 27th which means we'll need to book accommodations at a hostel for one night prior to orientation on the 28th of June and two nights from July 21-23. I say there is only 6 weeks before we have to leave.
- I'm too tired to write anymore tonight. Tomorrow I'll finalize the trip right now I'm exhausted from checking out round trip flights from Norfolk to JFK and round trip flights from JFK to Dublin. I'll finish tomorrow I promise
|
|
|
Post by celticbear on Jul 25, 2012 8:21:34 GMT -5
Glad Meg is keeping her promise to her brother! Very Happy that the travel planes for Ireland are FINALLY under way!
|
|
|
Post by celticsweetheart on Jul 26, 2012 0:04:32 GMT -5
- Everything had to change and so did the dates. Oh well I should have done more research into the whole Student Visa in the UK thing before choosing Belfast. Don't need a student visa if your from the US to study in the Republic of Ireland.
Checking out both airlines at the same time gives you a better perspective of how much each flight is going to cost plus it gives you an idea of the time especially since we will be flying two different carriers for the entire trip. On Expedia we found that three nonstop flights on Delta from Norfolk to New York. There was flight flight in the morning, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. Over on the Aer Lingus website there are only two flights going from JFK to Dublin, one that leaves at 5:40 pm. or at 9:45 pm with both flights arriving the next day in Dublin. The same goes for the return leg of our flight but this time the later flight is cheaper than the earlier one.
Now that we have an idea of the times and prices we are able to pull together an itinerary for the trip. Each of us already has the schedule for the summer term but we need to agree on what to do once the term ends, we'll have two days to do a little more sightseeing. We will only have to spend a total of three days in a hostel. I check out Hostelworld.com to see how much it will cost for four people to stay in Dublin for one night before and two nights afterwards.
We discuss when we should purchase our tickets based on the price quotes we got from the internet. I am able to purchase my tickets right now but I'm not sure about the others. We wouldn't necessarily need to reserve space in a hostel just yet but we might consider purchasing the tickets sooner than later.
We had chosen the Delta flight that left Norfolk at 1:45 pm and arrived at New York's JFK at 3:08 pm on June 26th. Then we'd take the Aer Lingus flight from JFK that leaves at 17:40 or 5:40 pm on the 26th and arrives in Dublin at 5:20 am on the 27th of June. The return flight from Dublin leaves at 10:45 am on the 23rd of July arriving in New York at 13:15 or 1:15 pm. We will take Delta flight that leave JFK at 3:45 pm 23 and arrives in Norfolk at 5:18 pm.
Before Tony and Kieran go home we agree to make a decision in within the next 4 days. I was ready to buy my tickets right now only because I'd recently got one of those airline credit cards in the mail. I made an arrangement with myself that if I got this credit card I would use it for travel purposes only which is what I'm planning to do.
Time drags when you're waiting for something or someone to make a decision. Amanda told me on Friday night that she would be able to purchase the tickets right now which was great now I just needed to hear back from the guys. I wanted to make sure we were all on the same flight.
It's a good thing I was really busy on Saturday it helped take my mind off the ticking sound I hear every time I think about those tickets. Next Friday I should have a great paycheck because I swear I was doing two jobs this week. When I wasn't giving tours I was working the information desk or filling in at the gift shop.
On the way home after work I stopped at Wendy's to get dinner. I didn't feel like cooking and I felt completely drained from working three different jobs today. I decided to eat in instead of getting it to go. After I finished eating I dumped my wrappers and refilled my drink before heading home.
When I got home I decided to crash. I was so tired that I didn't know if I had the strength to go to church in the morning. After I rested for a bit I would peer through my closet to see if I had anything to wear, that was the key to whether or not I'd be going to church. I was lucky to find one dress that I hadn't wore in a while but it looked like I needed to do a little laundry tomorrow after church. I just hoped tomorrow wasn't a potluck Sunday. I just didn't feel like cooking anything in the kitchen.
Before going to bed I laid out my dress along with the shoes I would wear. I checked my email, Facebook and Twitter account. I even decided to text Neil a simple "good night" because though it was midnight in Virginia it was 5 am in Ireland. He sent me a reply which was cool. Once I received the message I climbed into bed and was out in less than 30 minutes.
Just as I thought following services today there would be a potluck lunch for everyone. Great I thought I didn't really want to stay because I'm still trying to recoup after last week. I was gonna even try to wash some of the clothes in my closet. I had a plan for avoiding the general group of ladies that always conned me into staying to help with potluck. I would make a beeline for the restroom so that I wouldn't get roped into doing something I wasn't interested in. I had more pressing things to do today and if I stayed I wouldn't get home until 3 or 4 pm.
Services were done at exactly noon as soon as the pastor dismissed us. When that happened I got up and ran to the restroom, hoping the group of ladies in charge of the kitchen didn't see where I went. When the coast was clear I headed to my car and back home. I was so lucky to get out of their alive usually I don't mind but today I just didn't want to help.
When I got home I made myself a salad and then proceeded to my room to commence operation wash my dirty clothes. I can't actually remember the last time I washed my clothes. I must have been so busy with classes that I didn't realize my dirty clothes were piling up. The only dress that wasn't dirty was the one my mom bought for me when I went home to Knoxville.
I think I had about 5 loads of laundry which needed to get washed and dried today. I even stripped the sheets off my bed so they could be washed as well. I can't remember the last time I had washed them but then again I was in my bed for less than 8 hrs a night.
While waiting for my first load to finish washing I decided to get on my laptop to check out the CT pub chat. I wanted to see what everyone was up to this summer. I said that me and my three best friends were heading first to Dublin for three weeks. I said we we would be staying a total of three extra nights in Dublin. Everyone thought that was a cool way to spend the summer. Someone asked if we were going to go hunting for some CT lads while we were across the pond. I said, "of course it wouldn't be a noteworthy trip if we didn't seek out those handsome lads from Celtic Thunder besides we were going to be in Ireland."
When the washer went off, I put that load in the dryer and then I put another load in the washer that meant I had three more loads to wash before going to bed. My schedule next week looked the same as this past week I just hope it wasn't as crazy. I loved what I did but I hate having to cover for others who choose not show up for their scheduled shift on time.
I went back to the computer this time I checked out Facebook making sure to update my status. I used Facebook as a means of communicating with my sister who lived in Wisconsin. I even decided to check out Skype to set up an account so that I could call home while in Ireland without having to actually use my phone. I also needed to make sure I didn't get roaming charges while I was abroad so I decided to go to the AT&T store this week. I sent emails to everyone in my family suggesting that they sign up for a Skype account I could chat with them while I was in Ireland. I checked Twitter to see if I'd received any direct messages from Neil. Nothing on Twitter except a lot of babbling by celebs.
It was just after 2pm which would be a perfect time to call Neil. Even though there is a five hour time difference it wasn't that late in the evening to place a call. The phone was ringing which was a good sign but it was a funny ring nothing like that have I heard in the states so it must be a common sound in Ireland then. He picked it up after three ring I was glad cause I hate talking leaving messages on a person's voice mail.
I said, "hello, Neil. It's Meg." So I was not really original but it was all I could think to say. He replied, "hi Meg. How are you doing?" I tell him about my day and what it is I'm actually doing which is some much needed laundry. I hear him laugh. I miss his voice its funny what you miss when its not around. I miss seeing my sister, I miss my dog who I hated leaving again. I miss home made bacon and sausage but I'm pretty sure I couldn't find anyone who'd be willing to split the cost of getting a hog.
The buzzer on the dryer went off but I still kept right on talking. I'm not even sure if he ever said another word to me but I could still hear him breathing on the other end which was reassuring to know he was listening to everything I said. He asked how my summer plans were coming. I said they are looking up. I tell him we be spending 3 weeks in Dublin but will be arriving a day early and will be leaving two days after the program is over with. He said, "that's great. I was hoping I'd get to see you before you returned to the states." I said it just happened be cheaper if we stayed a couple days extra days in Dublin before heading home. We said our goodbyes and hung up.
While I was folding clothes I started to think about our trip. This would be the first time I'd been outside the US without my family. On more than one occasion when I was younger my family had visited Australia which is really an awesome place to visit except when it rained. I'd even gone to Germany once as well when I was probably 10 yrs old. I remember a paper I wrote in school titled "What I did on my Summer Vacation." I think everyone in my class was a little bit jealous after hearing the oral report that I gave. I've been lucky to have traveled outside the United States but this time I'll be on my own. I hear the song by the same name going off in my head.
I get back to folding clothes and I put another load in the washer. Around 5 I decide to call Jet's pizza to order a large deep dish pizza with cheese and pepperoni. I had it delivered since I was still in the process of washing, drying and folding clothes.
Forty minutes later the doorbell rang and it was both the delivery guy and Kieran and Tony. I really wasn't expecting them to show up at my door but I was sure glad pizza was here cause I was starving. I paid the guy and closed the door. I set the pizza down on the table and then asked why they were here? Ok, maybe I didn't put it that way but I was a bit curious.
We all sat down at the table and I offered them a slice of pizza and a glass of pop which they gladly accepted. They said the reason they came to visit me was to let me know that they would be able to purchase the tickets on Wednesday. Each one told me that they'd gotten a loan from their families to help them with their travel expenses. I was glad to hear they had the money to purchase the tickets because I was really starting to worry that we might not be able to all be on the same flight out of Norfolk or New York.
With that bit of good news I as able to concentrate on the task at hand which I needed to finish before it got to late. I wanted to finish my laundry before 8 pm. I had one more load to put in the washer. I was in the home stretch and couldn't wait for it to be over. I munched on pizza while I played a game on Facebook. I didn't want to check the ticket prices again since it caused me to get tired look at all the numbers. So I settled on Wednesday as the target for purchasing all the tickets. I for one couldn't wait for Wednesday to arrive.
Clothes were done and put away. I was clearly exhausted so I logged off the net and shut down my laptop. I put the left over pizza in the fridge. I was too tired to send a text to Neil. I changed into my night shirt and climbed into bed. I'm pretty sure I was asleep before my cheek hit the pillow. The next three days would be busy at work since three people who were out sick on Saturday were still going to be out next week. It as a good thing I took the first week of may off because people who worked that week had somehow gotten the flu and I definitely didn't need to be sick before heading overseas.
- this update is long enough. I promise to try and get to Belfast as soon as possible. I feel that the next update will contain the trip to Ireland.
|
|
|
Post by celticsweetheart on Jul 26, 2012 14:25:01 GMT -5
I found that it is more difficult to study in Northern Ireland than the Republic of Ireland for an American. In the Republic there is not need for a visa where as in Northern Ireland you would have to have a student visa plus you would have to travel through London before going to Belfast. My travel plans have been foiled so I have to rethink the entire location and have to do some quick edits before the next update. Sorry about this but looking for tickets was a headache but the whole visa process is worse than a passport.
|
|
|
Post by celticbear on Jul 26, 2012 21:11:41 GMT -5
Glad everybody will be on the same flight! NOW GET THE VISA SITUATION FIXED! So That the adventure in Ireland can begin! I'm want to start my campaign to capture Keith's Heart!
|
|
|
Post by celticsweetheart on Jul 27, 2012 23:46:02 GMT -5
- In order to study in the Republic of Ireland all one needs is a passport if they are from the USA. Meg has an Irish passport since her dad is an Irish National. It's kinda neat to have an Irish Passport, her friends think she's got one from the United States.
Wednesday night May 20th, along with an XL deep dish Jet's Pizza and glasses of Pepsi we each took turns purchasing our tickets. I had told Kieran and Tony to sign up for Expedia.com so it would make it easier for when they purchased tickets.
I was the first one of the group to buy their tickets that night. I logged into the Expedia.com website to purchase tickets for the Delta flight leaving Norfolk at 1:45 pm arriving at New York's JFK at 3:08 pm and returning from New York's JFK at 3:45 pm and arriving in Norfolk at 5:18 pm. Then I go to Aerlingus.com to purchase tickets leaving JFK on the 26th of June at 17:40(5:40pm) arriving in Dublin on the 27th of June at 05:20 and returning from Dublin on 23rd of July at 10:45 am and arriving at JFK at 13:15(1:15 pm). I then hand the laptop over to Amanda who does the same, then we she is done she passes it to Kieran who then passes it to Tony when he's done.
Now we are each able to breath a sigh of relief. I'm just glad that is over with now we just need to sort out our luggage and what type of clothes to bring. All four of us have a passport. I finally got my Irish passport. I've never really told anyone the whole story about my family. I decide to come clean and tell them that I have an Irish passport. They all want to know how that is possible. I tell them that my dad was born in Ireland and is still an Irish National living in the US. They all think that's pretty cool cause my passport is green instead of the ugly blue. Plus the Irish passport has the gold harp on the cover.
I decided to Google weather in Ireland in mid June to mid July. I've heard its possible to see all four season at once when visiting Ireland. I watch a lot of travel shows plus I've checked out a couple travel guides from the library as well. The weather in Dublin is as follows: June
Minimum Temperature 49 °F Maximum Temperature 63 °F Daily Sunshine 6 hrs Rainfall (above 5 mm) on 4 days Wind 8 knots
and July
Minimum Temperature 53 °F Maximum Temperature 66 °F Daily Sunshine 5:24 hrs Rainfall (above 5 mm) on 3 days Wind 8.1 knots
I also checked to see what type of clothes should be brought. The secret of coping with the Irish weather lies in taking the correct clothing. You should prepare for moderately mild weather at all time and be able to supplement basic dress with a warm sweater and/or rainproof top. A hat is a good idea, an umbrella is not. Be careful on sunny days especially on the beaches, the breeze can cool you while the sun still burns your skin. And take sensible footwear, most rural attractions and even some urban areas are best described as "rugged terrain" and the ground is bound to be wet occasionally.
- im too tired i'm going to bed. everything is fixed now so i should be able to go to Dublin by the next post.
|
|
|
Post by celticsweetheart on Jul 29, 2012 0:43:00 GMT -5
- watch out Dublin here we come.. we are going to be prepared for anything. lip balm and lots of it.
Now that we have our tickets, our passports and know how much its gonna cost if we have to check a bag on our Delta flight. Aer Lingus allows for one free checked bag besides one carry on per passenger. We know what type of clothing to take and what the weather might be like during our stay.
We have five weeks to get our bags packed and get our life in order to be gone for 3 weeks. Before everyone heads back home we make an arrangement to meet this weekend at the beach. I know that Kieran, Amanada and I aren't work but I don't know about Tony. He says he's off as well. We agree to have a small picnic this Saturday.
Before going to bed I send everyone an email about what they would like to bring to eat. I text Neil to tell him that I bought my tickets. In another text I detail my flight plans from New York to Dublin. We don't get into Dublin until 5:20am that's really early. I get a nice reply to my first message. It says, "wonderful." That was a great word. The next message says a little more, "looks like I'll be going to bed early the night before if I'm gonna be up that early." With the two messages I turn off my lights and get into bed. I still have to work Thursday and Friday.
I check my mail before work. Kieran says he'll bring the potato green bean salad his grandma use to make when he was small. Tony says he's gonna bring a party sub which should be more than enough to feed four people. Amanda told me she would bring some munchies and I was planning on bringing the drinks and plates, napkins and silverware. I just hope we'll be able to get out favorite spot.
Over the next two days I go through the contents of my closet trying to figure out what I needed to take with me. Take a look at my desk calendar to see how many days I'll be gone. I count 27 days that I need clothes for. I figure I need 2-3 night shirts which is simple since I'm the only one who will see it so I can wear the same one without any complaints. Next I need to figure shorts or capri pants or both? Dresses, how many will I need? Shoes, definitely taking my tennis shoes and will be wearing my sandals when we leave on the 26th of June.
Now that I had my tickets I had to make sure to let my boss know when I'll be leaving and when I'll be returning. I didn't want her to find out about my trip from some other employee. I needed to make sure it wouldn't be a problem for me being gone that long besides I knew the person that was interning could be a temporary replacement, actually there were two interns this summer which was great cause they wouldn't miss me. She told me to have a great trip and remember to take lots of great pictures. I said thanks and that I'm planning on taking pictures of everything I see. I must remember to buy a couple bigger SD cards for my camera and some new jump drives as well.
I finally told a co-worker that I was going to be doing a summer study abroad in Dublin, Ireland this summer. Karen said that sounds so cool and she wished she done the same when she was in college. I say the hardest thing is to figure out what to take with you to wear. I'm having a difficult time with exactly just that. I don't know exactly how much to take. I say I have five weeks to figure out the clothes situation.
During lunch someone came up to me wanting to know about my trip. They heard I was going to Ireland and was wondering where I would be going while I was there. I say its not really a pleasure trip because its a study abroad through CIEE Study Abroad and I'll be studying at Dublin City University for 3 weeks. I say I can't wait to go because we will have three extra days to do what we want. We have one extra day before the program starts and two after it ends on the 21st of July.
When I go out of work Thursday night I had two messages from Neil. They both suggested I bring something nice and comfortable to wear because there was a couple places he wanted to take while I was in his home country. Ok with that bit of knowledge I was still at a loss for what to take and how much to take. I didn't know should I take one bag and check it plus bring a carry on. I was definitely bringing my laptop. Me and Amanda agreed to share my laptop that way she didn't have to bring her's as well.
Friday night I'd take everything out of my closet and grouped it according to where I would wear it. Then I started combing articles of clothing to see what went together. Time was running out and I needed to know what I should take. I knew I was taking the new outfits my mom bought me while I was in Knoxville. I picked them out and my mom paid for them. Work was still busy but that was to be expected most schools were out already which is good cause that meant there would be more tourist visiting Newport News then any other time of the year.
Finally, Saturday came which is the day I'd been waiting for because we really needed to draw up a plan for getting to and from the airport in Norfolk. I got to the site early because I wanted the spot that offered the best shade and in order to do that I needed to go early so I could beat the crowds of people who flocked to the beach during the summer.
I placed a table cloth on the picnic table and laid out the plates, silverware and the napkins. The glasses would stay in a bag near the cooler where the pop was being kept cold. It was probably around 11 am when I got to our favorite summertime spot but it wasn't until when everyone else showed up. Amanda got here about noon which was great because I could go use the bathroom and check out the action on the beach. I'd brought my suit but didn't want to put it on until after we'd drawn up a plan.
By the time I made it back to the site everyone was there, they were waiting for me to return. I suggested we eat first and then work on the plan. Lunch was great and I was hungry since I'd been at the beach since 11 am.
Everyone starts talking about our trip, what we might see during our free time. I say from the look at the syllabi it looks like we will be seeing quite a lot. I say, "looks like we'll be spending four days and three nights in Belfast and Derry." That will be interesting since Keith is the most uninteresting Lad I've ever met. What know one knows is that I've been secretly learning Gealic on my own. There goes that song again playing in my head. I don't surf but I'm an excellent swimmer and I could have gone to the Olympics if I chose to. I think I'll surprise my friends if I start speaking Gaelic while in Ireland. I'm not one to show off but if its necessary I can speak it at least I know some basic phrases.
Now that we are finished eating we can get down to the subject at hand which is how are we going to go to the airport in Norfolk?? Since it was my idea to do that study abroad I make the suggestion that we take one car that way its cheaper to park one than it would be for two or four cars. Everyone agrees that it sounds like a very good idea. I write down in my note book: take one car to the airport in Norfolk.
Next question whose car are we going to take? I don't want to volunteer to take mine simply because I'm tired of taking my car all the time. Besides its time for someone other than me or Kieran to step up and take the wheel. No one wants to speak up so I suggest we go to the next question.
Now I ask will everyone be checking a bag as well as bringing one on the plane as well?? I for one will be checking a bag and bringing a carry-on too simply because I want to make sure I'll have enough clothes to last 27 days. Amanda is going with two bags too, girls just have more things they need to have while guys can probably get away with one bag. Kieran and Tony are both checking a bag as well as bringing a carry-on, so I guess guys need just as much as gals.
Seems like every question was answered except one, who was going to be designated driver to the airport in Norfolk. I suggest maybe a little competition on the beach would put this question to bed. All questions needed to be answered before we went back home. I needed to get a little more clarification from Neil about his two texts.
Kieran suggested a sandcastle competition which I agreed sounded like a fair competition. I knew that Amanda was an excellent swimmer so a swimming competition wouldn't be very fair. Amanda had told me she as on her high school swim team in Arlington, Virginia.
After packing up all four of us headed to the beach. Kieran had the necessary items for creating a sandcastle, which was awesome. I love sandcastles and the best one would be driving all of us to Norfolk's airport. I suggest that instead of someone driving, how about the winner has to find a way to the airport that doesn't require anyone driving which means we won't have to worry about leaving one of our cars in extended parking lot for 3 weeks. They both like that idea and with that thought I suggest we make it a boys vs girls sandcastle. Kieran likes that idea so we both jump in to help our partner besides if we win Amanda and find a way.
Each group had one hour to complete their castle creation and at the end we would grab some unsuspecting by stander to make the final decision as to had the best creation. We didn't have to worry about a single bystander because we were apparently drawing a large crowd to watch us build our castles.
I've never been good at building castles, I love them but as for building them I suck. I even told Amanda that I suck, she just shrugged her shoulders in agreement. At the end of the hour our sandcastle looked small compared to the boys who clearly weren't amateur castle builders.
Instead of one person we opted for three judges to decide who had the best sandcastle. The winner according to the three people we pulled out of the crowd. They were three willing participants who were very gracious in their comments even though it was clear who the winner was and it wasn't the ladies. The judges decided that the guys had the best overall castle but that the ladies was good for amateur castle builders. So the guys had to come up how to get the four of us to the airport in Norfolk.
Before we headed home I gave the guys a week to come up with a way for the four of us to get to the airport without it costing too much.
- ok that's enough of an update. will write more tomorrow and im sure we'll be on a plane to Dublin by the end of the update.
|
|
|
Post by celticsweetheart on Jul 29, 2012 0:53:07 GMT -5
Remember its May 23rd and there are only 4 weeks and 10 days until we have to leave for Dublin by way of Norfolk, VA first then on to New York's JFK. So lets just hope it doesn't take them a week because Meg told them it was 4 weeks and 10 days until the day they had to leave for the airport.
|
|
|
Post by celticbear on Jul 29, 2012 10:58:34 GMT -5
Colleen! MY KEITH IS NOT UNINTERESTING! Can't wait to find out how the boys get everybody to the airport!
|
|
|
Post by celticsweetheart on Jul 30, 2012 0:45:11 GMT -5
Sunday morning was fairly quiet especially after the long day at the beach and I really didn't feel like going to church but I did anyway. I'm not one of these religious zealots who has to go to church more than once a week. I feel that GOD is Ok with the idea that I only have time to make peace with him on Sundays. Last Sunday was a crazy day but I think today will be peaceful. I still haven't figured out what to take but that's alright I still have plenty of time. Today I'm just gonna go with the flow.
Before I know it the service with over, the congregation is dismissed, no potluck today and I'm relieved. I heard from some people that the potluck was really good last week but that the ladies that help in the kitchen could have used more help. I feel really bad about what I did last Sunday. I go find Sandra King whose in charge of the kitchen to apologize for not being able to help last Sunday. I feel really bad and don't need a blemish on my record besides I'll be in Ireland for 3 weeks and anything can happen during that time.
I catch up with her in the parking lot and say, "I'm really sorry about last Sunday I just had things that had to get done since I'm going to be out of town for three weeks at the end of June." Apparently, she didn't know because she looks in shock. "I guess you didn't know I was going to be going away in 4 wks and 5 days. Me and three friends will be going to Ireland to do a study abroad in Irish Studies in Dublin." She say, "did you tell Father Frank that you were going to be out of town for that long so he could put it in the bulletin. That is a long time to be gone for someone of your age to a foreign country." Ok, maybe I need to come a little cleaner here. I say, "actually this is my first time to Dublin but this isn't my first time traveling outside the country. I've been to Australia a few times as well as Germany and Scotland." Not sure why I said Scotland since I never been there. I continue by saying, "I am first generation Irish American, my dad is an Irish National." Ok I got it all off my chest I feel much better but she still looks a bit in shock. She says, "don't worry about last Sunday you do what you have to do and we will pray for your safe travels when you leave." Good I've been forgiven. I get in my car and drive home
When I get home I get on my computer. I log in to CT pub chat to see what everyone is doing. I should be working to get my bags in order instead I'm putting off because I know its gonna be a pain. I log out and make an attempt to go through my closet to see what to take. I text Amanda to see if she's busy. I know she's in her room and I could just go over to her room but I send her a message. I get a reply and then a knock on my door.
It's great to have an awesome roommate who has great taste in clothes. I try on outfits to see what I should bring since I can't make a decision. I try out different combinations mixing and matching shirts with shorts, capri pants, jeans and skirts. Next I try on every dress even the new one my mom bought for me back in Knoxville. I can tell when I try it on that Amanda loves it. I have her take a picture of me with my phone. I think I'll send it to Neil to see what he thinks. I've had her take pictures of everything that she likes that way I know what I need to take.
I'm getting hungry so I wander into the kitchen to get a piece of pizza that is leftover from last week. While I'm eating I text some pictures to Neil to see what his reaction is. As I start on my second piece I get a reply. "OMG" Did I see that correctly an Irishman just text OMG. So I text a reply and ask which ones he liked best and which ones should I bring.
By the time I go back to my room to get ready for bed. I get another text that said bring them all. They will be put to good use. Ok, not sure what that means so I text a reply that says what do you mean? I need to know, I get the reply that says they will be perfect for the places I want to take you. Ok now time for bed so I send a good night kiss text and wait for a reply before closing my eyes. "Good night my love Neil xxxooo."
Wednesday I get a text from Kieran that says they've come up with a way to get to the airport that won't cost a dime. I'm interested in how this is going to happen. I call him after getting the message. He says he's been talking with a friend from church, someone that I know very well, has offered to take the four of us to the airport in Norfolk. That's great because this trip is costing us enough without having to put out more money either in parking or paying someone to take us to the airport.
I say that's great because I don't really want to put out anymore money in trying to get to the airport. He says they will even pick us up when we return on 23rd of July. I say I guess we don't have to worry about how we are getting to the airport or how we are going to get home when we return to Norfolk. Its really nice when people offer to help students in need. I can't wait to leave. There is exactly four weeks left until we leave. Time is flying by and I still need to decide how much to take and what I need to take.
Work helps the time go by at faster rate. I'm working every Saturday until the week before I leave. I need to earn all the money I can because I know I don't want to come home without some type of souvenir of my stay in Ireland. During my lunch break I create a working list of clothes I have to take. The list contains the basics: socks, panties, bras, shoes, pants, skirts, shorts, dresses, make up, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner in a clear container. Then I make a list of things I need: voltage converter. I need to bring pony tail holders and clips along with a straightener and a brush and comb. The list will keep me busy. I need to look my best, must make sure to get sunscreen and pack my sunglasses as well.
I need to figure out what purse I'm going to take because I want to use one that works well with all my outfits. I need to go to Bath and Body Works to pick up some tubes of my favorite lip balm. I figure I'll need to have my bags packed at least one week before we are do to leave for our trip. I also need to get a notebook, I've been designated school supply purchaser.
On Sunday May 31st I make a trip to the store to pick up four three subject notebooks. I even stop at Bath and Body Works to pick up my favorite lip balm. While I'm in the store checking out all the products I start thinking its only a little over 3 weeks before we board the plane to New York then to Dublin, Ireland and I can't wait. It will have been 3 months since I saw Neil in person so I'm kinda really excited about it.
There is two more weeks before I need to have my bags pack and ready to go. Kieran said that Joyce Green will be taking us to the airport on June 26th. We need to get to airport by no later than 10:30 am. I'd rather be too early than either right on time or late. We have to be able to get to the part of JFK where Aer Lingus leaves from plus we will have to go through security which I hope won't be so busy.
Work has been really busy which is great there are more tourist pouring into the Newport News economy. I love being super busy because it helps take my mind off what I've been putting off doing when I'm at home. Thursday and Friday I have to train Jen who is the intern I've chosen to take my place while I'm in Ireland. She usually only works on Sunday but she will be working Monday through Friday while Diane the other intern will take her spot on the weekends.
On Wednesday June 3rd Jen and I are having a working lunch so I can discuss what it is that I expect from her while I'm away. I start by telling her why she was asked to come into work today even though she normally doesn't work until Sunday but she knows that she'll be working tomorrow. I say, "I'm going to be out of the country for three weeks and I've chosen you to be my temporary replacement. I need you to know what it is that I expect. I am entrusting you to make sure that everyone who is part of the group is well informed." She's kinda stunned but then say, "I was wondering why they asked me to come in today and I had no idea why I was going to start working during the week instead of the weekend. I will do what ever you want because this internship is important to me." Wow I wasn't expecting that from an intern.
By the end of lunch both Jen and I are on the same page. I tell her to be early to work because its been very busy during the week now that everyone is in vacation mode. I say that these two days will be the beginning of training to take over for me while I'm in Ireland. She still can't seem to get passed the idea that I'm going to Ireland. I let her in on my little secret. I say, "my boyfriend lives in Wicklow which is just south of Dublin and I miss him so much." Ok she's still stunned so I say I'll see her tomorrow at 8 am.
Today it exactly 3 weeks until we leave for Dublin. I can't wait but today I have to get my replacement trained today and tomorrow. Then there will be two training days next week and then two more training days the week after that. I've taken off June 23 - July 25. I figure I'm gonna need a couple days once I get back to recoup from the jet lag. I just hope it won't be that bad because I don't want it to put a damper on the beginning of my trip.
- ok will right more tomorrow. remember that today is June 4th. Next update we will be heading to Dublin, Ireland. Meg will get to see her bf, who she has missed. The group has an amazing time on their first night in Dublin. Who knew international travel without your parents could be this fun.
|
|
|
Post by celticbear on Jul 30, 2012 1:02:17 GMT -5
Colleen! Great update! NOW NO MORE STALLING! GET TO ALL THE GOOD STUFF! YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN! :wink:
|
|
|
Post by celticsweetheart on Jul 30, 2012 15:07:20 GMT -5
- Ok so I'm jumping head 3 weeks so that I can get my group of misfits to Ireland. Meg's training sessions have gone well with Jen, so now she can leave knowing the person filling in for her knows how to give proper gallery talks to groups of patrons.
Friday night June 19, 2009 the Penisula Fine Arts Center where Kieran and I both work closed to host a going away party for the two of us. There were speeches made by various people that are in charge of various parts of the center. Some of the people I know because I worked for them in the beginning but some I didn't because they were in an area I never worked. They said we were valuable employees and that they wished us well on our trip. There were toasts said in our honor. People we both have worked with in the past and the present said kind words, telling us to have a safe trip.
Finally, it was our turn to speak. I was chosen to represent the both of us. Even though Kieran was a good public speaking I was given the torch. I thanked everyone for their kind words. I say, "the time is right for both of us to experience life in another country. We are both looking forward to the flight from New York to Dublin." We will only be gone for 27 days but will be returning to work after we return home from our trip to Ireland. There are more cheers when I'm finished my speech.
The curator takes the mic from me and says, "dinner is being served in the cafe." Everyone heads from the gallery to the cafe. Even though it was a going away party for me and Kieran we both invited Amanda and Tony to join in the celebration. The theater they worked at had a going away party Thursday night for them which me and Kieran were invited to.
There is a table that says guests of honor which is where I sit after filling up my plate with various dishes and meats. I get a drink before sitting down. Everyone sitting at our table will be heading to Ireland in exactly a week.
While I'm eating people come up and wish me as well Kieran safe travels. People give us advice on what we must see. Some have told us their favorite places to eat in Dublin. A few have even told us about places that aren't so called tourist traps. Everyone said we need to experience Irish mass. I say that we will probably partake in a few church services while in Dublin. Everyone says not to miss St. Stephen's Green, that its the best place for people watching.
The night ends and the four of us head back to the apartment. It was definitely a night I'll never forget. I know I've said it before but wow what a fabulous night and no one had to cook. No dishes to wash when we get back to the apartment. There is however bags to pack and I know that Amanda hasn't gotten her bags packs either. I need to make a to do list for Sunday since that's my only free day to go shopping.
First on the list is 2 new SD cards for my camera plus 2 new jump drives to hold photos I take during our trip. Next a new bra that doesn't have a wire under the cup because I've read horror stories about women who go through security and have problems simply because they are wearing underwire bra. I also need to pick up the four folders for the group since I forgot to purchase them when I bought the notebooks. I also need to pick up some travel size laundry soap and dryer sheets. I know Amanda need to go shopping as well so I suggest we make a date of it on Sunday since she isn't usually busy then.
- Ok that's all for now will come back in a bit to write more.
|
|
|
Post by celticbear on Jul 30, 2012 20:52:02 GMT -5
Now we are getting to the GOOD STUFF!
|
|