Thank Goodness for Guinness, and other beers :)

Been a few days since I've posted anything but it's because I've been so busy playing tourist!  I had the day down in Cork with the boys, then came back to Dublin and "worked" on Thursday, and finally Allan flew into town Friday morning to begin our weekend adventures. 
We walked around a bit on Friday afternoon, had a drink at a pub in the city center, bought some flowers at the market (which are displayed in wine bottles in my flat since I have no vase), went to TGI Friday's for a laugh and a Long Island Ice tea, walked back to my place and then had dinner at Dillingers in Ranelagh.  It was AMAZING.  I had swordfish tacos with a sweet potato mash inside.  My new favorite dish.  Funny since I only just began eating fish about a month ago.  Even funnier that I had fish again yesterday, but I'll tell you about that in a few. 

After dinner we walked to the Barge (a place Luke showed me in April), stopped at Russells back in Ranelagh on the way home, and then came back to my studio.  It's probably worth mentioning that I'm still learning the neighborhood and which streets lead where, so we did detour through a park (over a fence since the gates were locked), but we made it back. 

Saturday was a long day, but so much fun.  We headed to Guinness to tour the factory and have a pint. I don't care for Guinness, but I'm learning.  After the factory we wandered around looking for the Modern Art museum but couldn't find it so we stopped in a restaurant right on the river and I had my first fish and chips.  I'm so proud of myself, and actually surprised because I really liked it! 

We walked through Cow's Lane market and I bought some lavender for my closet and drooled over the cheeses from the Cheesemaker then we headed into Temple Bar, which is super touristy, but fun.  We stopped at the Temple Bar bar and listened to some music for a bit before heading up to Allan's hostel.  It's called the Generator and is brand new in Dublin but has locations all over Europe.  Very cool place.  We played a game of pool (or Allan played and I made a fool of myself) then headed back to my studio where we cooked some dinner and played on YouTube.  Allan left and I crashed. 

This morning I went to church and now I'm about to head out to meet up with Allan so we can tour the Writers Museum.  We were supposed to do a football match but the timing won't work because we've got Rodrigo y Gabriela at Marlay Park tonight.  Fun stuff!

Just Me and the Boys

So I've heard from all these Americans since I moved over and settled here in Dublin and yesterday morning I went to the airport to meet two guys from Charlotte who contacted me through a friend back home.  We had an interesting trip in circles around the airport then were able to get our bus and finally train to Cork. 

We had a really good time (I guess I can speak for us all) arriving and checking into our hostel (my first experience staying in one) and then taking another bus out to Blarney Castle.  We arrived at the most perfect time at the castle (one hour prior to closing) and were able to be on premises with very few other visitors.  I've done Blarney 4 times before but I saw so much more yesterday.  I had no idea about the manor house or the Druid ruins, not to mention the wishing steps and witch's cave.  We ate dinner at a little pub in Blarney then took the bus back to Cork.  We contemplated going out for a pint, but the guys were exhausted (and I don't blame them after their traveling from the US that morning) so we played cards with our French roomie (also a guy) and then went to bed in our little four bunk room.  I wouldn't claim to be the prissy kind (not that bad anyway), but that room reeked of boy and it was all I could do to fall asleep on the 1/2 inch thick pillow.  I survived the hostel, but I wouldn't necessarily want to do that again.  All in all though, the guys I was with were so unbelievably nice and funny (and good looking :) ) so I had a good evening. 

This morning we got up, the boys got on a bus to do the Ring of Kerry and I said goodbye (begrudgingly) and went off on my own.  I toured the famous English Market and had breakfast upstairs at the Farmgate Restaurant (apparently run by Ballymaloe which I want to see next time).  I ate an amazing toasted mushroom sandwich with fresh squeezed orange juice.  I left the market and walked to the Cork Museum, but sat in Fitzgerald's Park for a while waiting on them to open, then went to the museum cafe and had a cup of tea and read the paper.  The museum is extremely small but I enjoyed it.  The last exhibit I saw was a photographer's work depicting slavery.  He had traveled to several US states to take pictures of the plantations and in some cases, reenact slave times.  He had several photos of Mansfield Plantation and then a few of Edisto Island.  After the museum I walked around Cork, stopping in some thrift stores and then finally made my way back to the train station.  I was just on time as the train quickly boarded and left for Dublin.

I got back to Dublin around 4:20 and grabbed my two buses to the apartment and here I am.  I am waiting on my iPod to charge so I can go for a run.  It's really pretty outside and I feel like I've been sitting still, despite my little walk around Cork today and the 7 miles my new buddy Jonathan said we walked yesterday.  Jonathan and Ryan are in Europe for 30 whirlwind days doing something like 14 countries.  Perhaps I can meet them again for a quick tour of a nearby city?!

Work and Then Play

Today was really nice as I got up and did some research and then went to Coffee Society to meet another American who is living here in Ranelagh.  She was a cute girl from Seattle and hopefully we'll get together again sometime. 

After that I came back to the studio for a bit more research (trying to figure out the visa stuff still) and had lunch.  I caught a bus to DCU around 1 and by 2 was in my new "office" with Luke as my boss.  He's put me on secretarial duty but his boss actually has something in store for me.  She would like me to design the course syllabus.  It's a daunting but exciting task.  It will really help me get to know some of the ESL coursework better. 

After working until 5 I caught the bus back to the studio and had my leftovers from last night, which were quite tasty, and have been on the phone for a good while taking care of business.  I'm about to head out to meet another American, a girl from NC, for a drink in the city centre. 

Tomorrow I am getting up to go with two guys (friends of a friend) to Cork for a couple of days.  I'm excited to get back down there.  We are staying in a hostel, my first time.  I am looking forward to the experience though.  I'll be back on Wednesday sometime and Luke's got me working hard Thursday and Friday morning, but then my new BFF Allan is coming to town and we've got a fun weekend planned. 

Love that I've got so much going on.  Hope it stays this way so I can remain occupied!

It Will All Work Out

Last night was my first night "in" as a Dubliner.  I decided to cook dinner and watch a few movies on my lap top.  I ended up having a very lengthy Skype conversation so I was up much later than I had expected, but it was nice to chat "face to face" with a friend.  I didn't set my alarm this am because I usually wake up so early, but of course I didn't wake up until 9:40 this morning.  This wouldn't normally be a problem, but since it takes 20 minutes for the water to heat up, I was pressed for time.  I ate a quick breakfast and took a cold shower before heading down to the Methodist Church on my street for morning worship at 10:30.

The service was comfortable.  There were only 30-40 people in the congregation.  Several people greeted me and then after the service we had tea and coffee in their fellowship hall, something they do regularly.  I met a woman who is from Seattle but moved here about five years ago and she's working on her PhD at UCD, which is where I was looking.  She had some great suggestions for me and I think I may wait on the PhD but do a second Masters here (which I can get in a year) and use towards my PhD later.  I think it may be my best bet. 

I'm so happy to have been to church and I'm so thankful that the Lord has his plan all worked out for me and that little by little, it will be revealed to me.  It's very comforting to know He's got it all under control.

A New Day, and I'm Connected!!

I woke up this am to the sun shining in the window and was a bit excited but then realized I had to wait at my studio for the internet installation, so I was sad that I couldn't leave to enjoy the sun, BUT, the modem was delivered and I was able to get things up and running rather quickly so that was good.  I would have left immediately to go out for my run, but I was so excited to acutally be connected to the real world, and by real world I mean SC, I had to get online.  I also plugged in my video phone from ACN and called my mom. I'm sure she didn't appreciate my ringing at 6 am her time, but I couldn't wait.  I called my aunt, Beth, and T'Lene too.  Can't tell you how happy I am to have that phone.  Best decision ever purchasing it. 

I did eventually go out for a run and so enjoyed it.  I ran back through Ranelagh, down to Portabello to check out the Hilton for Beth and Shep, through Rathmines and back to Ranelagh.  I walked in the most amazing wine and beer store and told the guy I'd definitely be back.  They have a great selection.  I even saw Blue Moon!  Ha.  I then went up through this walk I'd seen yesterday and found this grocery store called Mortons.  I was in Heaven.  I bought a steak (my iron is super low I can tell), and some veggies!  I wanted to buy all their cheeses but didn't let myself get carried away. 

After that I walked to the laundry place I dropped my jeans the other day to pick them up.  I came back to the studio and have been on the phone again.  I don't think I'll go out tonight as I've spent a fortune already on beers, but I've got a good bottle of red here and a few movies which I can play on my laptop so that will keep me occupied.  I'm going to get up and go to church tomorrow so that should be interesting.  The place I'm going is Methodist and just down the street about a block from me. I've got one church appropriate dress with me so if I like it I'll have to get some more clothes! 

I don't want to be a loser sitting at home all day but having internet and phone makes me so happy today!  I'm really looking forward to getting everything else set up so I can truly feel at home.

A Good Day

So I got up this am to the sun shining!  I did go for my run and felt so good after.  I ran around my neighborhood of Ranelagh, to Rathmines, and up by Portabello, then back.  It wasn't that long of a run but goodness, I needed it.  It was nice too to be able to see things I hadn't and to put some places in my mind of where I'd like to go back. 

I went back to the studio and showered to go out then got a call from Allan saying he wanted to make sure I was up and making the best of the day, not sobbing in bed for being alone!  Ha.  I went to the bank and got my account set  up and then walked around the area just outside the bank (Baggot St).  I'm not sure what that area is called but it was cute too and I got some things from a hardware store that I've been needing (incense, a colander, a card for Aunt Pat's bday, and a wine opener). I found a TESCO which is good and also saw some other cute cafes, etc.  I found a video store and bought a movie for tomorrow.  I have to be at the apartment in the am for internet installation so I figured I need something to watch.  Actually, last night I found out that the E-Reader Craig gave me already has a bunch of books on it so I started reading one.  I found Wuthering Heights too, so that's a classic to fall back on. 

I got a call from Luke this am too and guess, what?  He's "hiring" me.  I will be volunteering at his school starting Monday.  It will look great on my CV (resume) and will get me out of the house and not spending money.  I'm so excited.  I'll have coffee with the American Chelsea first on Monday, then go to "work" and finally have drinks with an American from NC who found me on FB.  She's coming to Dublin with a friend and thought she'd reach out to me.  I'm so excited.

I've got plans tonight with a friend I've not yet met.  It's Donal's brother, Eoin.  That should be fun.  I met a guy who just moved in next door to me too.  He's from NY and here at UCD (where I might go) to do his Masters.  He said his name is Josh, I think.  Things looking good so far, and it's only 3pm.  Just thought I'd keep you posted, since you're sooo interested in my little life!

Much love, HES

Thank Goodness for Italian Food

I’m going to start with the most recent “events” in my life and work my way backwards.  I just had the most simple but most delicious meal ever.  It’s quarter to 10 (and still light outside mind you) and I just had a ham and cheese tortellini to die for.  Seriously, I’m so glad the Italians make simple food; it’s all I survive off of.  I bought the tortellini earlier today from Centra.  I also got some pork chops, potatoes, sandwich stuff, "Ramen Noodles", tea and cookies.  I thought I’d try to eat at home the next few days. 

Before eating I was at this bar in Ranelagh called Smyths.  It looks to be a traditional place.  The staff were mostly Asian but whatever.  I had two pints and played on the internet.  I tried to download a movie but it was taking hours (seriously) so I paused it and left.  While there though, I did chat with a few people.  They all happened to be Americans.   It was funny because they all kept ordering these drinks and the bar didn’t have them.  One woman asked for something she could have with a lemon or orange slice...that gave her away.  They were super nice and I gave them directions to a place to buy more beer when they left. 

I wasn’t planning on doing anything tonight so after my long day of running around in the rain for errands, I came home to take a nap.  During my nap I got a phone call that scared me to death.  I jumped up and answered the line that rings me from my door, but then realized it was my cell.  Allan was calling.  He fussed at me, kindly, for being asleep at 5 and told me to get up and go meet people.  I followed his orders and went to shower then headed out to find a bar, and I’m glad I did.

Before actually getting out the door I got a text message from this girl Chelsea.  Yesterday I gave my number to the salon and they gave it to Chelsea, another American who lives in the area.  She and I are having coffee (aka tea for me) at my little place Coffee Society.  I hope they have frequent flier cards because I’ve been in there 100 times already!

All of these things happened this afternoon now.  This am I got up for a run but it was pouring rain so I stayed in my work out clothes but walked to the city center to Vodofone again because my phone had no internet access.  It’s working now finally.  I also made a call to get internet at the studio this am. The other thing I did was shop for banks.  I think I’m going with permanent TSB because they seemed to have a better deal than some of the others.  I didn’t run today, as planned, but I certainly walked everywhere so I think I got good exercise.  I tried to find my way about my neighborhood and the surrounding neighborhoods too.  I came across a place called Charleston Avenue that made me smile.  Tomorrow’s plan is to go back to the bank and perhaps go to Phoenix Park.  I’ve never been out there.  I also need to see about train tickets to Kildare and Cork.  Those are two places I really want to visit.

I’ve had my ups and downs and will certainly have more, but walking back tonight from the pub (and it wasn’t the two pints I had) I thought, this is a cool place.  It’s going to be fun.

Hit or Miss?

Today was full of fun for me in a I got done what I needed to get done kind of way.  I was up at 7 to shower because I thought my electricity was being cut off since noone’s lived here in ages and the bill I got when I returned yesterday said it would be cut off today.  I went to a coffee shop called Coffee Society around the corner and had a cup of tea so I could use their wifi to pay the bill. I then went into Dublin city center (15 minute walk) and got my smart phone and internet.  The internet is a trial and I will be taking it back tomorrow because it is a miss for sure.  Was supposed to be purchased for 30 euro and free to use for a week, but it only worked for about an hour and then stopped.  The phone is great (Android) except that is has no internet access which was the reason I purchased it so I’ll be complaining and having this fixed tomorrow, another miss.  I will say just holding a smart phone again makes me feel better though.  It’s much better than the 19 euro cheapo phone I used in April. 

After my three trips to Vodofone (I had a lot of questions) I went to the St Stephens Green shopping center for TK Maxx and home goods.  It was a miss because even there things were super expensive.  I got a frame for a pic of Mom and Dad, a thing of olive oil, and some bathroom soap for 20 something euro.  Another miss here was that the place claims to have free wifi but the only place I could get it was in the center of the shopping mall sitting on a park bench.  Winner.

I walked back to my place around 12 and had my leftovers from last night.   I played on the internet, called mom from Skype, etc, and then headed out for my hair appointment.  I walked to the cleaners first to have some jeans repaired (I sat on a nail in Butlins and ripped the seam of my favorite pair) and then to the salon.  I was there 20 minutes early for my 3 o’clock appointment and didn’t leave until 6 but it was a hit for sure.  The salon, Norman and Brown, is cute with a couple of really cute girls working and my hair looks great. I’m supper blonde.  I like the style too.  It’s similar to what I always have but was dried a bit differently so it’s cute.  I paid a good deal for it (about $50 more than I’d pay at home) but I got some products too so I guess it’s not too bad.  Things are just expensive here, there is no way getting around it.

After the appointment I went across the street to TriBeCa and had dinner. This was a hit out of the ball park.  I ordered a bottle of Malbec, a cup of roasted red pepper soup, and a buffalo mozzarella and tomato salad.  Oh my goodness.  The soup was to die for; it was spicy and hot with melted parmesan cheese. The salad was garnished with greens and olives, which I did actually try, and had the most perfect olive oil and salt combination.  There was actually cheese left over when I finished the greens and tomatoes too, and that should tell you something since I’m a huge cheese fanatic.

While sitting in this super cute little restaurant I read the Cheers Magazine which is like City Paper and has all the info on concerts, comedy, etc and I’ve decided I want to attend some things.  You know, or should know, how much I love music.  I can certainly go jam while someone is playing guitar…that doesn’t require me knowing anyone.  I also came across this little restaurant down on the canal that allows you to bring your own wine and their philosophy sounds good…local products and a lot of organic stuff.  I’ll check that out soon.

Oh, I did get my first phone call today from Allan, T’Lene’s friend who lives in Wales.  He’s booked a flight to come visit me in August.  It happens to fall on the same weekend Mom will be here, but I’m delighted.  He’s told me that he is to be my emergency contact…that he’ll answer no matter the hour and that he can be here in no time if I need him.  God bless him.  I will make friends I’m sure but it’s nice to know he’s just a few hours away if needed.  Can’t wait for T’Lene to get here so we can all hang out. 

Well, I just came back to the apartment where I’m saddened to say I have only one martini glass for my wine (I corked and brought the bottle home) and I’ve got no internet access which stinks because I hooked up my video phone and it would work otherwise.  Oh well, tomorrow is another day and I’ll get internet set up here if it’s the last thing I do.

My plans for tomorrow are to get up and run (I heard that there is a great path along the canal), go back to Vodofone to get things sorted, get to the bank to set up my account which I was supposed to do today, and perhaps get some of the application filled out for UCD so I can start school in August.  Oh, I also want to get tickets for Saturday up to Kildare Village.  It’s supposed to be great shopping and I need to get Mom’s bday gift.  I mailed her card today but I bet it won’t get there until after her birthday, which really stinks.

Alright, off to bed. 

Life as I know it...

I honestly don’t know where to begin, or where I left off even.  The past three weeks have been crazy.  I went to Butlin’s in Minehead for the EF position, which I’m extremely disappointed in but will talk about later, and just got myself settled back in Dublin, where I guess I’m supposed to be home?  I was so excited getting of the coach from the airport and walking to my studio.  I came right in and unpacked my dirty clothes to start washing, then walked around the corner to the SPAR and got some things for dinner and breakfast tomorrow.  On the way I even stopped in this cute salon on the corner and made an appointment to get my hair done tomorrow.  I came back to the studio and kept unpacking but realized I left my mozzarella at the store so ran back out the door to get it (it’s just so close there would be no reason not to.)  When I finished unpacking I made my dinner and started the second load of clothes, but only after ripping the front panel off the washer because the buttons were all messed up so I thought I’d play “Bob the Builder” and yes, I did fix it.  I ate my dinner and sat down to write Mom’s birthday card and bam, it hit me. 

Before I get to all that though, I’ve got to tell you about what I can remember from the past three weeks of my life.  I left Charleston on a Sunday afternoon, got stuck in New Jersey of all places, and on the way to the airport on Monday morning got the job offer for EF.  I flew to Dublin, spent the night, and left for England on Wednesday.  I arrived and met a few other “local leaders” as they called us, but I refer to us as slaves.  I went to my room which I was pleasantly surprised with, not because it was nice by any means, but because it was three bedrooms so spacious, and I figured for three weeks, it’d work.  The next morning while the other LL (local leaders) were testing the kids, I went to a meeting with the course leaders (those who brought the children from all the countries).  I got a little information about what I’d be doing but when I say little, I mean minimal, next to nothing.  After lunch I went on an excursion with the kids into the town of Minehead (as far as I know it is one street and maybe three blocks long, but I didn’t venture out much). 

The next two weeks are a blur.  I got two roommates which aggravated me, but they were fine and had separate bedrooms.  I taught to the best of my ability (which I can say is pretty good; I’m confident as a teacher), but it was slim pickins for materials.  We were given one book for each child, one white board and a marker, and a CD player for the listening activities.  I had to use scrap papers to make my own word searches, flashcards, etc.  We were told we wouldn’t be reimbursed for anything we purchased but we weren’t given anything else to work with so I bought a pack of paper and some pens, etc.  We were never given any standards to go by, never asked to assess (and actually when I asked about assessment I was told something along the lines of “we don’t do that”), and at the end when the kids took their final evaluation (the EF version of the ESOL test from Cambridge) the “secure” test was given with 15 students in my room at three card tables and no pencils to use, although the directions clearly stated use a pencil only.  It was ridiculous.  I was furious the majority of my teaching time because I know how to teach and teach well, and we were not able to do so.  It upset me also that the other teachers (I’m not saying everyone there, but for the most part) were kids in college working to make a little extra money, with little to no teaching experience.  They were good with the kids during the activities, but not teachers if you get my drift.  And about the money,  I’ve not been paid and won’t until I get my bank account set up here, but I can’t do that without some other things taken care of first, so one step at a time.  The money I will get paid is such a small amount.  The girls at Somerset figured it out with the amount of hours we worked each day and apparently it’s less than minimum wage in England!!  Yeah, great. 

So I have to complain for one more minute about EF and then I’ll move on to another topic…still complaints mind you.  One major problem I had with the EF “camp/school” was the lack of organization.  I like things to be done correctly and for everything to be in order.  I understand the importance of being flexible and when it comes to working with kids or traveling, I am.  In London, I was fantastic.  I mean that.  I’m not bragging I’m just saying I did everything with confidence and my group was able to do a ton while they were there the day and a half.  We saw Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Madam Tussauds, Westminister Abbey, Tower Hill and the Crown Jewels, a play,  and even did a little shopping.  Even when I was unhappy about things, I went forward with a smile.  For example, we went in for our “dinner” at Burger King our first night.  There were about 200 other EF students there at the same time so it was a mad house trying to order (see pics).  I helped get orders for a few kids to shorten the line; we ate, and moved on.  The second night we went to dinner at a place called Baker Street Station so even though I had no idea where the place was, I led my kids in the rain and we eventually found it (right next to Madam Tussauds randomly).  We went in and sat down, but were told we would have to leave because our reservation had been postponed.  I told the manager we couldn’t do this, we either ate or left because A-we were never told the reservation had been changed, and B-we had a play to get to that night.  After I told him I wasn’t upset with him but with EF and explained the situation, he allowed us to sit down for a quick 30 minute meal of pizza and chips, pizza and salad, or spaghetti.  It was very kind of him to do this, but I wouldn’t send anyone to eat there again.  The pizza was frozen with oregano sprinkled on top, but sorry, not fooling anyone.  The food the past three weeks hasn’t been awful but hasn’t been spectacular either and I was so happy to go in SPAR tonight and pick up some pasta to cook for dinner.  Anyway, I did enjoy most of the kids in my group and I did have a good time in London the past two days.  We got a lot accomplished while we were there and I was able to get everyone from A to B to C and back in one piece.  Today when I took the kids to the airport I got a bunch of hugs and several magnets from Moscow so my little studio has one Charleston magnet and three from Russia, but whatever!  I’m excited to go back to London with my sister when she comes to visit me in two months.  I enjoyed doing a few things this time with the kids that I’d never done before, but T’Lene and I will enjoy a day there with friends and hopefully get to watch a little Gamecock football somewhere too!!

As soon as I left the kids at the British Airways check in, I made my way to Aer Linguis.  I ended up having to pay quite a bit for my very overweight baggage, but since my bags were not delivered to me before I went to England there wasn’t much I could do.  EF is reimbursing me for my flights so I’m out $150 or something for my bags.  No big deal.  I’m just glad I’m here.  Especially after we came in over Dublin and our pilot announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, we are approaching our final descent into Dublin.  Please check to make sure your seatbacks and chair tables are set in the upright and locked position and that your seatbelt is securely fastened.  Please also locate your nearest emergency exit, keeping in mind it may be in the rows behind you.”  Ummm, I’m sorry, since when do the pilots announce emergency exit info at the end of the flight?!  Was he trying to tell us we would be crash landing?  I laughed out loud, just another “bump” in the road.

So back to the “bam,” and it’s not from the landing, but because of Mom’s birthday coming up.  For those of you who don’t know me well or don’t know my family’s traditions, you need to understand that in my family, you are with each other for every birthday, Christmas, Easter, special occasion, whatever.  We are close and we celebrate big; actually that’s an understatement.  My dad made sure that special occasions were extremely special and he went over the top, and probably had to twist Mom’s arm to do the same, but she was and is amazing at all holidays.  There is no one like her.  So here I am, writing her a birthday card to put in the mail tomorrow and I realize it will be the very first birthday I’ve ever missed.  EVER.  Writing her card made me realize that there will be a lot of things I miss while I’m gone.  Babies born, friends’ weddings and some getting engaged I’m sure, birthdays and even the small things like dinner with my sister and her dogs.

 I have missed all kinds of things these past three weeks, but I’ve been busy, so sitting in my studio tonight with no TV and no one to call (my phone and internet aren’t hooked up yet), I got sad.  I am sad.  I’m ok, but it’s something that I’m going to have to realize.  My life will be an adventure here, no doubt.  I’ll have some great times, but I’ll also have moments where I doubt myself and this move.  I should have known this feeling was coming.  I tried to check my CCSD email today and it wouldn’t let me on, then T’Lene said I got my last check from the school district.  It is official; I no longer work for SPES.  That’s depressing enough as it is.  I don’t want it to be though.  I’ll remain positive as best I can.  I’ll try to keep myself busy until I figure things out here and get started working.  I’ll email and call as much as possible to keep up with my friends and family back home, and I’ll be as outgoing as I can here to make new friends.  I’ve already bugged my neighbors to death about things so maybe I can invite them all to dinner and win them over with my southern charm.  That reminds me though, some guy from PA stopped me on the train today and chatting he said “You’re not originally from Charleston are you?”  I told him I was and he couldn’t believe it because I didn’t have a drawl.  Two people in England thought I was Irish and were shocked when I told them I was American.  It’s funny how quickly your accent changes. 

One final thought and you’ll love this.  I found this studio on the internet and emailed several times while still in America trying to get details.  I ended up meeting a letting agent when I arrived that Tuesday, but not the guy I’d been emailing.  The agent, Alan, had given me keys and nothing else, no info on the place.  I think I already wrote that I had to ask one neighbor how to turn on the hot water and another neighbor about the internet.  So tonight I went up to meet Sean and ask him how to turn on my heater (yes, it’s July, but I need heat in this frigid night air).  He kindly told me (and I’m sure died laughing inside) that we don’t control the heat, that it is turned on automatically in the winter and off in March.  Yes, another surprise for me.  The good thing is I don’t pay for heat, the bad thing is, I’m going to freeze.  He was kind enough to give me a space heater because he had several.  Y’all, what am I going to do?

Food for Thought

If you know me you know that I like to eat, actually, love to eat, but I love good food, not just any old thing.  At this "resort" in Minehead, England, we are served three rather large meals a day.  The problem is that the meals consist of potatoes, pasta, more potatoes, and some sort of meat.  The canteen where we eat has three or four stations where you can choose your meals, but when the choices are the ones just mentioned, you can't exactly enjoy a "good meal".  I'm sure I'm gaining weight as I do eat in that place, but really, the food is not the best.  Even the "heatlhy options" station I frequent has a ton of starches, etc.  I've done my best to try and balance meals, but there isn't much I can do otherwise.

That's why today was so nice.  I had a second day off from this teaching camp and so I got up this morning and went for a run along the beach.  I think I may have done 2-3 miles.  Not much but I'll tell you, I felt SO much better when I finished.  I've been talking about running all week but only today got the time.  I work from about 7 am to 11pm each day.  I'm pretty much a slave here as my contract still hasn't been sent to EF headquarters so I'm volunteering for these long hours!  Anyway, back to the food!  After my run I did some laundry and while I waited I ran into the Spar to grab a granola bar and something to drink.  Funny how something that simple (the choice of what I really wanted) made me happy.  I grabbed a chocolate milk (I know-not healthy but I need dairy) and a granola bar and waited for my clothes to finish.  After all that I got ready and walked into Minehead to a pub to grab lunch and work on a project I'm completing for the Palmetto Project grant I took place in back home.  I should say that I walked into three places who claimed to have wifi before finding this pub, The Duke of Wellington, that actually allowed me to get on the internet.  I worked diligently and then ordered myself some lunch and a beer to go with it.  I had a lovely ham and cheddar panini and a pint of Carlsburg.  Again, I know it's not the healthiest choice, but good food is really what I'm on a kick about, not just the stuff for rabbits, although I'd die for a good salad. 

After my pint I was feeling a bit tired so I headed back to my room for a nap and when I woke up I felt pretty refreshed, although you don't really sleep here as the 500 Spanish, Russian, French and Norwegian kids run around screaming outside your room constantly.  Also, the killer seagulls squawk like nothing you've ever heard before (see the picture about the danger of seagulls).  Anyway, I woke up and accomplished quite a bit of my lesson plan on abolitionists of slavery.  I think the plan's a pretty good one so far.  Found some amazing resources (newspaper clippings from Frederick Douglass's The North Star, etc.)  I realized it was 8 o'clock though and I hadn't eaten dinner so I fixed a cup of tea hoping that would help but unfortunately it didn't hold me over so I headed up to the Skyline (main pavilion of Butlins "Resort"). 

In the Skyline you have your choice of fish n' chips, Pizza Hut, Burger King, and a few other little coffee shop type places.  I really considered walking back to the place I had lunch, but it's a good 20 minute walk and it's getting chilly outside.  I opted for Burger King thinking I could get a chicken sandwich that would at least hold me over until morning when I get to go back to the canteen for an exciting breakfast of baked beans, potatoes (surprise, surprise), tomatoes, eggs (which you should know I don't eat), toast or cereal.  It amazes me how some people pile all of the previous items together.  It makes me sick actually. 

So, I'm here at Burger King, which I would never say has offered me any type of good meal, but satisfying in the fact that it fills me up.  Unfortunately tonight's was by far the worst Burger King experience I've ever had.  The food was disgusting and it cost me about 32 pence less than my meal (including my beer) at lunch.  I should have braved the cold for the walk back to town. 

I'll tell you what I'm looking forward to, besides getting away from this place and the pathetic excuse for teaching that takes place here (I'm not bitter, just telling it like it is).  I am ready to be in my little kitchen in my little studio with the friends I hope to make enjoying a good, home cooked meal with vegetables and other fresh items.  I'm looking forward to a good glass of red wine.  I miss supper club so much, so I hope to at least get a few people together to start a little one here (and it will have to be little as my house only seats two at a table for now).

I've got to tell you one more thing before I head back to my room.  I have to tell you about the "party" EF threw for the leaders last night.  I greatly appreciate the effort in getting us together so we could enjoy some time together sans children, but here's what I walked in to.  A room which had been the pool and gym here but has been "converted" into the EF lounge...a.k.a. an empty space with bean bags and a few chairs.  We all sat on the bean bags in the middle of the floor and sat chatting while one of the leaders tried to find an Ipod so we'd have some music.  There were two tables that had been brought in and on top of them sat a few cases of beer and cider, two bottles of wine, two boxes of wine, and a few bottles of liquor beside some diet Coke and lemonade.  Here's the part I love.  The drinks, all of them, were in their original packing sitting out at room temperature.  There was no ice in site.  I realize that Europeans don't use ice like we do, but I've never seen anything like this.  I drank two vodka and lemonades (at room temp. remember) before the Spanish (God bless them) came in with a bag of ice!!  I had two whole cubes in my drink and it made a world of difference.  I didn't stay out long, as exciting as the party was (ha), but it was fun while I was there. 

So here's some food for thought...you may want to question me if in the future I refer to anything you do as "interesting".  I've used that word here a lot this week.  I've described the food as interesting, the location of Butlins as interesting, the party as interesting.  It's become my nice way of saying things are strange.  I'm sure there will be even more interesting things happening this week. 

I may sound like it's awful here, but it's not all that bad I suppose, and with anything I do this year, I'm going to take it as an experience and learn from it.  I am trying to see the good in things and in people.  No matter what, I'm appreciative of the opportunity. I may also learn to appreciate things back home even more!

"A Place of Yes"

So yesterday was my day off from this summer camp and the whole time I kept thinking, “This is going to be good.  I’m blessed.”  I may be working like a slave from 7 am to 11 pm and dealing with some rather frustrating people both on the administrative and student side of things, but I’m blessed.  When I walked up to the castle yesterday alone and had time to think, I said “Thank you Lord for giving me this opportunity.”

I just finished reading Bethenny Frankel’s A Place of Yes and although it bothers me she is not a Christian, I have to say she gives some good advice.  I picked up her book when I was stuck in New Jersey trying to fly to Dublin.  I watched her shows these past few years and really grew to admire her as a business person, but I think it’s really nice that she’s found her place in her family too, and it’s good to hear her describe her journey there.  She had some great things to say in this book and I highly recommend you get a copy if you haven’t already read it. 

In her book, she lists 10 steps to getting everything you want out of life.  Her motto is that everyone should come from “a place of yes.”  This means that you must know yourself, your needs, your wants, and be positive that you will find a way to make all of your dreams come true.  At least, that’s what I took from it.  Her steps are as follows:

1.        Break the Chain

2.       Find Your Truth

3.       Act on It

4.       Everything’s Your Business

5.       All Roads Lead to Rome

6.       Go for Yours

7.       Separate from the Pack

8.       Own It

9.       Come Together

10.   Celebrate!

With each rule, Bethenny listed examples from her own life of how she did it.  I think the most motivational pieces of her book were the quotes she added and I’ll say there were several of her own that struck me.  I’ve listed them below with reasons as to why they stuck out to me.

“It doesn’t matter what anybody else thinks of your life.  All that matters is what you think of it, and what you decide to make of it.”

This one stood out because so many people (my brother especially) worry about what others think, what others want them to do.  It doesn’t matter though.  It’s your life…make of it what you want!

“It’s time to decide how much power you want to give to your fear.”

Bethenny was actually talking about relationships here but I think it applies to all aspects of life.  If you let fear hold you back from doing something, then you miss out on all the things that could be great in your life.  If I let fear hold me back, I wouldn’t be in England with the intention of moving back to Dublin, I’d be on my way home!

“When you regret something, what you aren’t seeing is that someday, later, or maybe sooner, you’re going to see why you didn’t get the thing you wanted.  So often, something better is just around the corner.”

It goes with the motto I’ve been living by, “God has a plan for us, and even though we may not understand, HE is in control and knows exactly what He’s doing.”  I have to trust that things will happen for a reason.  I have to believe that something amazing is going to come from all of this.

“Move out of your comfort zone.  You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.” Brian Tracy

I couldn’t be less sure of what is happening in my life right now, so yes, I feel awkward here In England with no idea of what I’ll do when I get back to Dublin.  I’ll feel awkward for a while there too, I’m sure, but I’ll learn from this experience, and that I look forward to.

“Learn to live in your own skin-there’s nothing like that feeling, and it’s the most important thing you can ever do for yourself.”

I think this has always been a problem of mine and in the past several months I’ve begun to learn to do this-to live in my own skin, to be confident in myself no matter the situation.  This move is the true test.  Can I live here and be happy about who I am and where I’m going in my life?  I think so!

And my FAVORITE (which Bethenny happened to save until the last chapter)

“Promise me you’ll always remember:  You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” Christopher Robin of Winnie the Pooh

I think we all get caught up in our doubts about ourselves.  I’ve asked myself several times in the last week, “Can I do this,”  “Will I make it a year?”  If we don’t give ourselves credit for the individuals we are, we will never accomplish anything.  I want to tattoo this on my arm so I never forget (I would never get a tattoo so don’t worry about that)!  I’ll have to keep coming back to this quote when I begin questioning myself again, which I know I will, but why not believe that yes, I am brave, yes, I am strong, and yes, I am smart enough to figure things out and give Dublin a chance.  This year might be the best of my life, and if not, I’ll come away with an experience and the knowledge that at least I tried.

Dunster Castle

It's my day off so I slept in until 11 (I've been very sleep deprived) and then walked the 45 minutes up to Dunster Castle to tour the grounds.  It was a very nice afternoon.  I'm just working on the computer a bit and then back to do laundry this evening.  Not the most exciting of posts, but I'll tell you today has been the best so far.  I got to do what I wanted on my own time, and that's what I love most about traveling. 

I'll post a few pics here, but the rest will be on my facebook page if you care to view them!

Bath Anyone?

It’s about 10:30 pm and while the others are heading to the pub, I thought I’d call it a night.  It’s been a long couple of days here in Somerset.  Today seemed to be one of the longest, and we actually did less today than we’ve done all week.

We got up and had breakfast at the normal time of 7:45 and then at 9:00 we got on the coaches to head to Bath.  It’ supposed to be a short journey but it took us until 12 to get there, so we got off the bus and had our picnic lunches then walked around the city for a few hours.  We couldn’t get in the Roman Baths (you have to book in advance) but the town was nice enough.  I really didn’t see anything, so to judge the place I’d have to go back.  We boarded the coach at 3:30 to head back to Butlins for dinner and a scavenger hunt.  I don’t know square footage of this place, but it’s like a small village.  My feet hurt just from walking this place!

The past few days have been anything but what I expected.  I suppose I thought there would be more classroom learning and just a few activities.  There have been some complaints from the groups actually because they don’t feel they are learning enough.  To be honest, the activities could be great for immersion into the English language, but they tend to get in their cultural groups and speak their native tongue.  I’ve only taught two classes and we’ve been here since Tuesday.  I’ll teach again next week, but only one lesson per day.  It’s just not enough time.  If the kids are in groups with speakers of other languages, then that would be ideal, but they’re not.  The books we are using, which are designed specifically for EF Language Schools, look rather ridiculous too.  They cover entirely too many standards in one small “unit”.  In my first lesson I was to teach how to use simple present tense for facts, adjectives for opinions, and adverbs for sequence, and that was only the first page!  I’m sure most of you reading don’t care about that, but it’s the teacher in me.  I know how to put lessons together and I know that that many objectives in one short lesson is nearly impossible to do.  There is very little review time so it’s not like I can do a little each day.  Also, I do believe there is only one other teacher here and the rest are college kids.  It’s fine, but I always feel (and this will sound stuck up but whatever) that I’m so much more qualified for these jobs than the others!  I will tell you though, it is a great job for a college kid since the majority of it is babysitting and taking kids on the excursions, etc.  I will not do it again, that’s for sure.  I decided that the first day.  I’m glad I’m here because it gives me something to do for three weeks and I’ll go back to Dublin with a little cash, but not worth it in the end I don’t think.  Everything can be used as a learning experience so that’s what I’ll take it as…and I’ll learn not to do it again! J