25 days in

Today I have officially been in the Country of Ireland for 25 days. Nearly a month. I am starting to actually settle in and possibly find a routine. Classes are still changing on me randomly which makes it kind of difficult but I'm actually super excited for this last change. I now have no class on Wednesdays at all! Thats very exciting because I was the only one out of my group that had classes everyday. It will be nice to have one day, hump day non the less, to gather my thoughts, catch up on reading and whatnot.

Sunday was that dreaded holiday called Valentines Day, but it was actually quite a nice evening in comparison to other years. Including last year when I lost my cat. But this year was fun. It started off wonderful by a knock on my door and a delivery of a beautiful full bouquet of flowers. I finally figured out that I was right about who sent them (ordered all the way from the states nonetheless!) and I was extremely flattered and they make my room smell fabulous. Following that morning wake up, later my group of 8 friends all got together and did a potluck style dinner. We all cooked something and came together to eat it! I made Cornbread and roasted potatoes. Funny story - Ireland doesnt believe in Cornmeal.... So i had some serious improvising to do. I used cornflower which i realized is more like cornstarch then anything else but it kinda worked. Also, I bloody suck at conversions. Again cursing the American system and the lack of knowledge that would help in the rest of the world. I didnt have any measuring tools either, soo there was a lot of guessing and hoping that went into it. Tesco (our grocery store) also did not have loaf pans. again improvising, i made little cornbread muffins. They ended up turning out OK but definitely not the highlight of the delicious meal. Some of the other items on the menu were, homemade veggie chili, 7 layer bean dip (with homemade guac), lasagna, spinach salad, burgers, quiche, then cookies, lemon squares and banana peanut butter chocolate chip bread. As you can see, there was tons and it was fabulous.

Monday rolled around and unlike in the States, we dont celebrate Presidents day in Ireland obviously. But it was sad either way that I had to go to class when everyone else got an extended holiday. Although, this is only my second week of school so I probably shouldnt complain. Besides, Monday was a good day. I tried Trampoline Club!!! I finally got up the nerve to go and check out a practice. I took a run down to the rec center, but got super lost. The only way they taught us how to get there was through the Botanic Gardens. However, they close at dusk and I went running down there at like 5 15 which means it was closed. I ended up running behind the school into some weird ass housing and finally found a main road about 20 minutes later and 15 minutes in the pouring rain. Luckily I found it, paid and got to work out. It was SO MUCH FUN! Ahh i felt right at home. Serious way to relax and let go of tension. I ended up being one of the better people there considering all my years of gymnastics but I didnt care. It was so much fun. and the coaches are awesome and can teach all levels so I was getting help on learning how to twist. Since thats my biggest enemy. Anyways, I am going back tomorrow (Wed) and I can wait. I'm sore but its so worth it.

Today, Tuesday was uneventful in the events of the day except i was running late and had to take a taxi to class and left my room at 10 45 and didnt get home until after 5. I also was able to buy a couple posters from the super cheap poster sale to help decorate my room even more. see pictures below. Thats all so far for this week. Miss you all at home!