27th Birthday Bliss

My first "Irish Birthday" was 22/09/2013 in Dublin, Ireland. I turned 27 years young and celebrated with D. This photo was taken after my morning cycle through Corkagh Park, and just before we headed into The City Centre for the day. //// Photo Taken By: D.

 First off, I just want to say THANK YOU SO MUCH for the very thoughtful birthday wishes from so many of you. I loved reading the cards from the post, opening up special packages, emails, notes on facebook/ instragram/ snap chat, and my fave app VOXER. It was my first birthday away from family and close friends, so all these sweet messages made me feel like we weren't far apart! And of course, it just feels immeasurably wonderful to be loved. I love you all!

This past week was a fun early celebration. Each day I did something out of the ordinary (not that living here in general isn't out of the ordinary), having small (or medium...or large!) extra sweet parts to make "birthday week" fun and different. I'll share more about that in a later post to wrap up the month of September. My own personal birthday month and week even are always full of good cheer, because some of my dearest share this birthday month and week with me! [Extra special Happy Birthdays to Anna, Amy, Tyler, Megan, D, Christian, Adina, Ashley, Brittni, my mama, and all the other September birthdays!]


Sunday morning I woke up a little bit earlier than everyone else and decided to go for a cycle on my own. I mentioned earlier this month that I'm feeling slightly more confident on my bike again, and on Saturday I went out in my cleats for the first time in ages. Because we (me&d) cycled toward the countryside, I didn't have as many traffic lights, stops, or cars to mess with. It was just the right amount of scenery, "hills", adeventure, and exercise. I went out in my cleats again Sunday- not ready for the road without D yet- to the bike path in the park I like here. I run/walk at Corkagh Park almost everyday, so it was nice to take the bike there and have birthday cycling time. The air was warmer than it's been lately, the sun bright, and the sky so clear. A beautiful day....and a continued beautiful weekend here.

 

Photo from the cycling trip D and I went on through some countryside on 21/09/2013.

 Photo Taken By: M.

When I got home my cycle, I was surprised by D and his family with some birthday decorations and treats. Inside jokes and funny stuff very fitting for me. It was cute and actually went on with very thoughtful ideas D had all day for me. Ready to enjoy the day, D and I set out for town. I seriously could not get over how WARM it was. I honestly have not experienced a HOTTER day here. Welcome back...Summer? For a little while maybe? September, full of surprises!

D and I with Mr. Tayto near Croke Park on 22/09/2013. Photo Taken By: Mr. Tayto's photographer.

When you're still relatively new to town and making friends, what's a girl to do on her birthday? Well, it just so happens that the biggest Gaelic Football Championship game (Bigger than the College BCS and NFL Superbowl games combined!) was the same Sunday. Thanks for working that out Ireland. Needless to say TONS of people were out all day, pubs and restaurants with good buzz, and lots to see! There was a lot of celebrating going on! 

D and I wandered around town and walked around some of my favorite places for awhile (specifically Ha' Penny Bridge). Again, it was hot, and I was starting to feel like I had been transplanted back in Athens for a Dawgs' game. I was ready to wrap our epic walk up and find where we would watch the match (aka have a pint!) in town. We managed to get into the private teachers' club (should I even post that on the internet? Unintentional frowned upon bragging, apologies) and watched the match from a hidden treasure, cozy, ornate, country priced bar and lounge. Country prices are more than spectacular when you're in the city. It's almost like having drinking from home prices. Good craic there and a Dublin win!!

Enjoying my favorite favorite brew, battered sausages, and vinegar chips during the match. Go Dublin! Photo Taken By: M.

Everywhere we go now, I am drawn to these ornate ceilings and chandeliers. This is from inside the Teacher's Club. Photo Taken By: M on 22/09/2013.

Sorry to see Mayo loose another Championship game (After a county hasn't won for over 50 years, it's hard to rejoice for their loss...), BUT really excited Dublin won!! We wandered around town again and had planned on going to the Butterfly Farm, buuuuuuut it was already closed for the summer. Too bad, no worries. Still a great day together. And one of the sweetest parts was going to Queen of Tarts for dessert before dinner. Later on we had Shakira (our Indian food go to place) for dinner. I feel very European when we sit on the patio at Queen of Tarts and sip our espresso. One day I'd like to have my own espresso machine....only one day. Ha! I'm more excited about my new espresso colored shoes from D. I'll share a pic of those the next time I wear them. They're deadly and will be the star of so many outfits this year!

Thanks for a great birthday, D. I love you :P Photo Taken By M at Queen of Tarts, Cows Lane.

My birthday cake... and favorite tart! Raspberry Cheesecake from Queen of Tarts. Honorable mention to the tasty espresso. Photo Taken By: M.

Photo Taken at Powers Court Shops on 22/09/2013. Photo Taken By: D.

I honestly did really miss having my family and friends to celebrate and visit with this year. There is something so important about spending time in the same place. But I know it's just as important to spend time together however we can, because life is for living. I'm glad I got to Skype with my family Sunday night and us share stories. I feel like we are all right where we should be for now and loving each other just as much...if not more. Please know that I miss you all, but I know we will see each other again, and I am so happy and grateful to be on this new journey.

Here's to believing, praying, dreaming, and doing better than ever this year! 27, a gift from Heaven!

Slainte (Cheers)!
M

Flight Fest over Dublin and The River Liffey

Sunday September 15, 2013 was Flight Fest over Dublin.  Photo By: M

Classic and famous aviation took to the skies for an entire afternoon of excitement. 

 Photo By: M.

An opportunity to see historic B17s fly over The River Liffey.  

Photo By:M.

Here a plane using smoke to resemble what it would've looked like during WWII. Photo By: M.

More clear skies, a sunny afternoon, and Fall rolling in over Dublin. Photo By: D.

The star of the show: British Airways A380. Photo By: D.

Its wingspan was about the size of The River Liffey across. Photo By: D.

The A380 ending Flight Fest after a full day of aviation admiring.

Loving life! Cheers, M   Photo By: D

New Hobby: Hill Walking

Ha' Penny Bridge in The City Centre dressed for The All-Ireland Finals.
Photo By: M.

On Saturday, D and I left the city for the afternoon and made our way out East to the Wicklow area. The weather is noticeably changing for Fall (or a harsh winter for a newbie like me from the South) and I really wanted to spend the day outdoors. 

I went on my now usual morning run/walk through the neighborhood and around Corkagh Park. When I got back I felt rejuvenated by the sunshine, clear skies, and cool weather. D and I made a carb friendly lunch (#youknowaboymadeyourlunchwhen..... it's a lasagna sandwich!) and got our backpack ready for the walk/hike. I learned a few tricks about how to pack for this, because as I'm a lifelong learner, and a drop out girl scout, I'm still earning some badges for the great outdoors. Just look for me on the cover of National Geographic next year, it will be epic.

The bus dropped us here and we walked into the brush there.

 Photo By: M.

I would honestly consider this a hike, because it's a steady climb up and steep. I think of walking as a more leisure form of exercise and something I would do around town. I'd also consider what we hiked a mountain, but it's only considered a hill. I'm not going to argue with geography, nor will I beat my chest about walks v hikes. Either way, it was a great workout and beautiful afternoon! I am now raising the bar in my own personal journey about what walks, hikes, mountains, and hills are. Fair play to you, Europe.

The view from the road just before we set out for a path.

Walking through some cleared fields. Anticipating at any moment hearing, "Hey! Get off my land!" #wedidnot
Photo By: M.

Photo By: M.

Beautiful colors from summer still. Photo By: M.

View of Baby Sugar Loaf Hill and more of the lush Wicklow Mountains about half way though. Photo By: M.

Me after the path ended and about to start the rock climb. Photo By: D.

The rocky slopes on Sugar Loaf Hill.

Sugar Loaf in Irish is, Ó Cualann  Photo By: M.

View from the top of Sugar Loaf Hill. Also known as The Great Sugar Loaf! Photo By: M.

As my mom tells me often, "It's important to live your life today and live a healthy life, because you don't know what tomorrow could bring." Photo By: D.

More gorgeous views with the sun setting atop Ó Cualann. Photo By: M.

Photo By: D.

All you need is LOVE.

Ponies along the Sugar Loaf hill.

I want to adopt a baby lamb. The perfect present all year long.

This afternoon/evening walk was really rewarding. It was healthy, great for all our senses, something different to do, and left us both feeling accomplished. I also can't say it enough, it's beautiful here and all over the world. I love exploring it and challenging myself to new heights. Sorry I'm not sorry for the cheesy pun. Until next time!

Cheers,
M

Pedal Power

Photo taken by D at The Phoenix Park in early September 2013.

This has been my first September in Ireland. I started this month with my first cycle through town since I moved, and explored The Phoenix Park for the first time. In a month's time, I feel less scared for my life when I'm on my bike. I actually wasn't sure when this would happen and I was a little nervous I might always be scared. It's good to still have some fear, because that actually keeps me safe from actually getting run over (you have to always be on your guard and paying attention). I have acquired a fluorescent yellow vest to wear over my jacket while I'm cycling (I will be seen) and have my helmet (be smart and protect your head). I have not used my cleats clipped in to the pedals yet, but with my confidence growing on the road I should start trying that soon. I have gone on a few spins with D and on my own now to the village and back. I am using my hand signals, traffic changes, roundabouts, and car/bus awareness much better. It is still scary with major traffic changes, but I've gotten better and that's what matters. It happens slowly and I want to learn/do the right way. I've made a few new friends who are learning to cycle too, so I'm looking forward to having some people to go on rides with. I'm honestly really humbled and happy thinking about cycling. I want to cycle better, be healthier and more active on my bike, and be confident on the road. When I first started, I was a little frustrated how hard it all seemed. I still have a lot to get stronger and smarter at, but just the small progress that I have settling in feels GREAT. I actually felt my heart get so full with joy when I went through my first roundabout successfully on my own. It was a sentimental feeling from how victorious I felt the first time I finished a triathlon. Speaking of, perhaps one of those will be on my horizon again in 2014. Live your life, as my mom always says! :)

Cheers,
M

20 something American girl in Europe

There's a standard rule that I've been committing to memory since I started student teaching, and now I'm reading about it in funny fashion for dummies links. So, what rules I had are pretty simple.

I have actually enjoyed my ever experimental and open-minded fashion sense. I don't get hung up on designer trends or tags, but I can appreciate the investment in good pieces to own. I fluctuate from Target, (Forever 21), and TJ Maxx, to the occassional J.Crew, Express, or Banana Republic purchases.

Outfits you would find in my closet as staples to my current wardrobe: little black dress, sunnies, gold accessories, skinny jeans, ballet flats, & blazers.

I would define my preferred fashion choices as athletic or urban and bo-ho. I have spent much of the past two years in 'teacher outfits' (cardis, leggings and dresses, skinny jeans with high boots and sweaters, and the occasional professional pencil skirt and top), and then in my free time Lululemon Athletica clothes. I prefer my yoga/adventure clothes for on the go workouts and comfort. My leisure clothes have also been exclusive to Lululemon on a relatively large snobbery for quality, comfort, and brand. I've found them to be fashionable, trendy, and easy to wear. Unfortunately, wearing athletic clothes on a daily basis isn't a balanced wardrobe.

Photo taken from Lululemon Athletica Vancouver page.

So now that I'm living in Ireland and learning about fashion, trends, and even more appropriate wardrobe pieces for the different weather here, I'm updating my closet. Before I moved, I left behind a great deal of...everything. When I set out to move this far, I tried to pack 'light', but have enough with me to not have to spend a whole lot of money fast on clothes. I did pretty well packing and selecting certain things, but I have still had a lot to look for. I realize I am quite blessed to be thinking about fashion in a new way, when there are so many others struggling to find water, so please don't misunderstand my perspective or priorities.

I actually think the next time I am at home, I will be able to donate a lot more than I was willing or thinking I would before I moved. At least I know little P is getting good use out of anything she wants to borrow. And anything I don't start wearing here soon, I know I have gotten good use out of prior to moving, and now would be a good time to donate. There are some great charity shops all throughout the city and I love looking through, as well as know the money is going to help adults with special needs, the Down Syndrome foundation, or people being treated for cancer.

I have a new rule for keeping, buying, and donating (I think throwing away anything is best for what is just absolutely destroyed): Keep if you would still buy it and want to wear it when you see it in your closet; buy it if it's a fair price/good quality/and something you will use often; Donate when you've not fallen through with using it or have loved it and gotten good value for it, but it's not 'too-loved' and can be used by someone else. I have done well wearing everything I have brought thus far and also buying some new go to pieces: black leather boots for hiking or trekking through the rain, black heels for interviews and special occasions, layer worthy long sleeve tops at Penney's, Gortex rain jacket, jeans, button up blouses, suit vests that aren't black, and wool socks.

I've been educated recently from some local friends about what not to wear or be weary of buying, and how different trends are at home in comparison to here. I was a little disappointed that my leisure look is not popular here. I actually only ever see people in workout clothes at the park literally working out or walking home from the gym. This may make you laugh, seeing as how I am sure this is a rule for many everywhere, but I think I see many more people in The States in workout clothes everywhere and it's not socially awkward. I have been pushed to be more conscientious about not wearing workout clothes out and about unless I am in fact working out. I will continue to wear my token sorority girl outfits (leggings, uggs, and long t-shirts or sweatshirts) at home and happily wear my lemon wear to stay cozy when I'm just hanging out in my space.

I've also seen A LOT of different fashion statements from people around town and I am making some progress as to what I want to wear. It's safe territory to wear skinny and straight leg jeans, leather shoes, and layers (scarves, jumpers, jackets).

I like the men who wear straight leg jeans, button up shirts, v-neck sweaters, and casual trendy shoes. I also like the t-shirt with open flannel tops and aviators on guys. I see alot of guys in adidas, nike, rugby jerseys, and runners. The latter isn't bad, but it's not everyday wear. I like to see guys trying a casual to dressy lifestyle look. D has been working on this himself, because we both prefer athletic clothes, but appreciate a good polished up look.

Women's fashion is different- so many different looks. It is going to be a new hobby or goal of mine in this next phase of my twenties to stay true to my principles on travel and living simply, but to start picking up more quality and smart pieces for my look. I'll start posting more pictures as I can.

Cheers,
M