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