Friday, December 28, 2012

Leaving Ireland


Nothing could be more bittersweet than leaving the beautiful country of Ireland. It's been four months and well I never would have imagined I'd experience all the adventures I've had here.

I really came to know the Irish landscape. I traveled all throughout the North, East, West, and of course the South. I saw Cork, Kinsale, Dublin, Limerick, Belfast, Galway and the Aran Islands. Not only did I travel in Ireland, but in England and Poland as well. I saw the Jack the Ripper Tour, England's National Wedding Show, the Harry Potter Studio Tour, Aushwitz, and Krakow. 

Not only have I explored the country, but who I am as well and I know I have grown as a person since coming here. I am now more independent. I ventured way out of my comfort zone. I went out on my own without the pack of girls in the beginning and made new friends. I constantly walk the streets at night alone without any fear. I crossed the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and didn't fall into the sea. I've tried "chips" with curry, mayo, and gravy on them. I had my first drink in a bar and my second and third. I went clubbing and stayed out until 3 am. I skipped class to play piggy in the middle. I've stood on the edge of a 100m cliff. I saw two concerts--Kormac and the Big Band and Mumford & Sons. And I've picked up on Cork slang even when I've tried my hardest to ignore it.

I even joined a club. I signed up for every club and society and chose the UCC Rovers or Scouts club. I joined and I have to admit it was one of the best decisions I ever made here. I made an exceptional group of friends that have introduced me to Irish culture, nights out, and all things new and exciting to me. Without them my abroad experience would not have been as amazing as it was. Luckily, I'll be seeing half of them this summer when they come to Maryland for their J1 so the goodbyes won't be too hard.


I'll have my memories of this country--the traveling, the landscape, school, friends, and Cork's night life. And of course who could forget I got engaged here. Studying abroad has been an eye opener to me. I've seen and I've grown and I could not be more thankful for the experience I've had here. So thank you Mom and Dad, Washington College, Cork, and all the friends I've made here for letting me Study Abroad at University College of Cork, Ireland. It's been grand.

Shannon

PS. I'm enjoying the time I'm spending back home with my family and will probably be MIA until January 14th. By then I promise I'll be posting regularly again. For now I'm soaking up all of life in order to have something to write about.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Looking Towards the Return


With only 11 days left in Ireland I'm torn between wanting to stay forever in Ireland and wanting to rush back home for the holidays.I want to see more of Ireland, do more, photograph more. I want to hang out with my friends, the UCC Rovers, and enjoy the moment.But I'm very excited to see my family. I can't wait to show them my ring and catch them up with all my stories and adventures. I am excited for:

Dress Hunting
Mother-daughter Days
Christmas Eve
Christmas
Jenn's Bridal Shower
Annapolis Bridal Expo

As well as my upcoming travels when I get back to America. Yeah, I guess I'm not quite done traveling.

December
Maryland (Home and Family)

January
Seeing Gerred, Katie, and Phoenix in Florida
Disney World
Harry Potter World

February
Dominican Republic (Brother's Wedding)

I have a lot to look forward to. And with 1 1/2 exams and 1 paper down I'm definitely closer to all that awaits for my return. I just need to write 2 more papers, and complete 1 1/2 more exams.

Shannon

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Birchbox Men November 2012

When Gerred's Novemebr Birchbox Men came in he skyped me immediately to show me all the things he got in this month's box and here's what he had to say.

Peter Thomas Roth // Mega-Rich Shampoo & Conditioner // Although this shampoo and conditioner combonation smell good, I didn't really think my hair was all that great after
using the sample.

Suki // Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser // "This scrub is literally sugar and lemongrass. It smells awesome, and is a great way to wake up and scrub off the sleep."

Atelier Cologne // Vetiver Fatal // This cologne smells awesome. There are two types of cologne; those that smell awesome and those that don't. I would wear this out.

Old Calgary // Oxford Card Sleeve Wallet // Made of 100% wool felt, this wallet allows me to carry the bare minimums of cards and/or cash. It's flexible, too, so I can sit on it and forget it's there unlike a bulky wallet.


John Allan's // Cool Face // "This product smells pretty good after a shave, and it definitely helps fight razor burn. I don't know if I really would need it all the time, though."

If you'd like to sign your man up for Birchbox Men for $20 a month or gift a subscription to him for Chirstmas just go here! It'll be a great holiday gift!

Shannon