Abominable Grapefruit

     Yesterday marked my 1 month arrival in Galway. Crazy how time flies...hey mom and dad can I study abroad for a year?!? Pretty please! Gusty Galway was once again...you guessed it: Windy! Thankfully the rain wasn't as hard and temps were actually pretty warm, however the wind was nasty. This is how I chose to face the wind

Bundled up Abominable Grapefruit

 And this is how a girl from Galway faces the weather:

seriously?!?

Clearly I'm not from Galway and cannot handle the wind and rain like they can. In her defense once I was outside I realized it wasn't actually very cold, but nonetheless the wind made it bitter. No matter how ridiculous I look I will choose my much more comfortable abominable grapefruit look.

     Having made a coffee date with Joy I was forced to get out of bed and face the windy day. Had I not scheduled the date I'm not so sure I would have crawled out from under my cozy covers. In the end I'm very thankful I did, we had a great time getting to know one another. It was encouraging to have good discussion and encouragement with a fellow believer. 

     Following our date I stopped at Feanor, a craft store on my way home. It's great to dream about being able to make crafty creations. However, until I win the lottery that will not be happening. Ireland simply isn't very crafty. I've only found 3-4 craft stores in all of Galway, each displaying outrageous prices. My love for crafts will have to be put on hold. Looking on the bright side I've never been so thankful for crafts. Small things like not having a scissors and glue make me excited to go home and have a new appreciation for all of my craft supplies

      Once home, I jumped on Skype for an interview with Larry to discuss working at Camp Forest Springs for the summer. It was great to catch up with him and chat about camp. I have yet to know where God will place me for the summer, but it is ultimately up to Him and I'm excited to see what He has in store for me.

   Last night Abby C. and I walked to Amandine's apartment to attend CU @ the movies. Meeting even more believers from around the world it was fun to get to know Estelle from France, Martin from Poland and Alice from Australia. We ate a pasta dish Lukas made, with pasta, tomatoes, cheese, and interestingly enough raisins. The raisins weren't too bad, but I'm not sure if I would add if I were to make the dish. We also feasted on cake made my Estelle and Amandine...yumm! The chocolate frosting was stellar. I was grateful for free food and friendship.

     Tomorrow is the Super Bowl and I can hardly contain my excitement!! Ideally I would like to go to one of the missionaries houses to watch the game because kick off doesn't start until 11:30pm. I always have the alternate option of going to the Hole in the Wall pub. The pub was good craic for the last game, but I don't know that I want to be in a pub until 2-3 am.

     I can't believe I'm actually saying this, but I'm going to do homework....the first time in a month. Ick! However, since I have free time I'll get it done and enjoy my Packers tomorrow! There is more to write, so maybe if I can get this work done I'll come back and add. Hope you're all participating in the excitement of tomorrows big game!

Tonight for dinner Abby C. and I made Creole Beef with noodles, a favorite recipe I often request to have at Grandma Vivian's. Running gear and cooking don't usually go together, but I figured I should get out and get moving after sitting inside all day. What a great feeling to get in a quick energizing run. I try to think of the rain as a refreshing spritz in the face. This doesn't always work, but I've gotta try some sort of positive thinking to get used to this rain!

Familiar Family Food :  )

The photos pretty dark, but I thought I would document the biggest and baddest of the puddles who contribute to sidewalk showers. I'll have to take a picture in the light, because this doesn't accurately portray it's size, but it's dark coloring brings out it's ominous presence. Seriously scary stuff when a car's around.

Big bad puddle!

     Poor Aurelie is having a heck of a time with her bathroom. First semester her window leaked leaving a puddle on her window sill. Having reported the problem early in the semester the maintenance men didn't fix it until two weeks before break. Unfortunately, this didn't solve the problem, coming back from break she found it was still leaking. The men waited an additional month and now have finally "fixed" it.  This afternoon I looked again and found the sill covered in water..bummer! In addition to her leaky window I heard a shriek come from her bathroom. Walking into the kitchen with a stunned look on her face she explained that as she turned on her fan it poured out water. With a leaky window and fan raining water onto her floor there is no escaping this Galway rain.

Somethings not quite right?

With Love from Galway