Shaz's Story: April 2015

Captured with a selfie stick.

I'll admit it, I did miss some good college basketball and the way an entire country becomes infatuated with a sport to the point where people to call in sick or get excused from school to watch a game. However, March was mad in a different way:

In a pub in Howth,
learning how to say 'Sláinte'

We were blessed to have four groups of visitors from the US between the first weekend of March and the first weekend of April. In running order: Lorcan and his friend Fergal, who came for the Ireland-England rugby match; Brigid and Nick, whom we met in Barcelona; Stephanie, Kevin, & Stella, who were here in Dublin for a visit and Cathal's birthday; and my parents, who were here for Easter and with whom we traveled to Kerry. In between visits, we went to a wedding in Kerry, I presented at two local conferences for work, and I started my yoga teacher training program. Le Sigh. So, I'm only just catching my breath now and catching up on life things, like taxes -- no worries I have and extension for being an ex-pat -- and emails/blog post updates to my loved ones back in the USA. So apologies if I've been a little out of touch.

Brig & Nick at Gaudi site.

Top of La Pedrera.

Barcelona with Nick and Brigid was basically a dream come true. It was exactly 10 years since Brigid and I were there together. The city really is everything it's hyped to be; from Gaudi's architecture, to the beach, to Las Ramblas, it's just fabulous. We rented an apartment for the long weekend, did some touristy things, went to a Barcelona soccer match, ate way too much food everyday and finished every night with g&t's at " The bar on the corner where you meet your friends whom you love and want to have a good time" (that was our rough translation of the establishment's Catalan name). I'll let the real photographer, Brigid, give you a little insight to our trip, if you're interested: Barcelona!

Barce Game.
Messi gets hat-trick & sets record.

Sagrada familia with my fav's.

After Barce, I began my Yoga teacher training program. I love it already. The first part was 5 days intensive and since I've been attending more classes, as well as reading about anatomy, philosophy, and physical practice of yoga. I'm so happy to be taking my practice to the next level.

At the wedding in Kerry.

The wedding we attended the following weekend was for a friend of Cathal from work, Johnny, and his wife Myra. It was small wedding down in Kerry with lovely people. Great time all around.

The following two weeks we had my cousins and parents. We enjoyed playing hosts, but mostly spending time with loved ones. With Steph, Kev, & Stella, we enjoyed Dublin and nearby towns. Stella brought such energy and joy into our apartment in the week she was here. She also made the place a lot cleaner - seriously she enjoyed cleaning my floors with clorox wipes!

With my parents, Cathal's parents, Seaghan, Mary, and Bernie's brother Eric, we rented a gorgeous house with spectacular views down in Glenbeigh, Kerry. We were fortunate to have beautiful weather for the 4 days we were there and enjoy the views, a few nice walks/hikes, and some drives. We had a few days back in Dublin together before they headed off, and left me and Cathal to return to everyday things. But the daylight hours are long, and we've been having a beautiful spring so far, so can't complain too much there!