T-7 Days til T-Day!

I can't believe that this time tomorrow, I'll be on a plane to the U.S.! The time is just flying by, but that's probably because the past month+ has been filled with wonderful things: one of the best surprises of my lifetime, great work opportunities, a fun trip to Bruges, and great days/nights out around Dublin.

So far, my 30's are pretty awesome. They began with a wake up to an amazing compilation of video messages from friends and family all over the world (message me if you'd like to see yourself in action). Then, I got the most amazing surprise ever: Everett, Christina, & Matt ringing the door

With Everett at Powerscourt
Waterfall (above) and Fitzpatrick's
 Halloween extravaganza (below)

bell. I screamed so loud, I made poor Everett cry! I knew Mom & Dad were coming, but it was a multi-family effort to keep the other 3 a secret and prepare for their arrival. Seaghan and  Mary (my bro & sis-in-law) let the Humphreys and Ferruccis basically take over their house. They also organized everything for Everett, from a pack-n-play to babysitters.



Surprise!

We had just the best few days, weather included, while they were here, which permitted lovely hikes, walks, and a few good nights out! And the surprises didn't end with Everett, though - Cathal threw me a surprise party at The Boar's Head, a pub; once again, had no idea. People from work, new friends, and family members all came to celebrate. Needless to say, I felt and continue to feel very blessed and fortunate.



Research at Fota House with one hundred
17-year-old girls!

After this amazing visit, things at Trinity got switched into high gear. In the past month, I've submitted applications for grant money; travelled to the beautiful, historical mansion, Fota House in Cork twice for research; and participated in conducting a few research projects in Dublin. I'm also working part-time as a supervisor for English student-teachers, and as an extension of this, I even gave my first lecture at the college level last week: "The Art of Reading and Teaching Strategies the Novel."  And some how, I also have become a member of the Executive Board of the Graduate Students' Union: I attend meetings with big wigs around campus and help organize pub nights for graduate students.  





Bruges. Markt Square. Top of Historium.
See the rest of our photos: Bruges Photos

Among the busyness of research, work, and campus life, Cathal and I managed to sneak in a trip to Bruges for the weekend. It's a short, cheap trip from Dublin, so we went for it. Good news -- it lives up to the hype: as you stroll the streets you are transported back to the middle ages and feel as though you're in a fairy tale.  Out weekend consisted of food (mussels, waffles, and chocolates, mainly), incredibly tasty beers (blondes and browns, we didn't discriminate), and even a few historical and cultural tours - well, one was a brewery, but the other was a legit museum. We highly recommend.


Dublin Marathon Finishers:
Kara, Cathal, & Kim!

Prior to Bruges, was the Dublin marathon, which Cathal ran and completed (yay!) but also brought another visitor: Kara (one of my best friend from Providence). She came with a few friends of hers, and it was so wonderful to have them here. We've been blessed with visitors in these first few months!!
And while the past two weekends, haven't been quite as glamorous, we've really enjoyed Dublin and the surrounding areas. Hiking new spots, strolling villages, attending the US-Ireland Soccer match, and a concert Pat (Cathal's dad) organized.


The Aviva Stadium. US vs Ireland.
Ireland wins 4-1. Yikes, USA.

 
 I am so excited to see many of you, catch up in person, and of course partake in some good old Thanksgiving Day overindulging!!