Tuesdays are my long days of class. I spent this Tuesday going from one to the next learning what ranges from breeding management in the swine industry in Ireland to synchronizing estrus among dairy cattle to marketing strategies in big companies in Europe like Tesco. It's been so different having class in another country. I've noticed such small, but noticeable differences that can affect things you wouldn't normally think about (like the taste of bacon or the taste of milk!) After a full day of lectures I managed to have a less than impressive "college kid dinner" of a bowl of leftover rice and a bowl of cereal (can't be fish and chips everyday unfortunately.)
I did manage to get an evening out with my roommate Jena where we spent our time walking to a cute little restaurant called Cinnamon on Ranelagh street. We treated ourselves to a coffee and the sweetest caramel tartlet. The room was decorated with Christmas lights, little pots of flowers, wine lining the walls, and candlit tables. (all of my favorite things!) I love searching for new places like this that can make you feel like you never want to leave. I find myself losing track of time when I'm in moments like these, having good conversation over some amazing food in drink in some of the most beautiful, unique places in the world.
I woke up this fine Wednesday and whipped up a small breakfast before torturing myself with another Spinning class at the rec center. (I have to work off all of those cafe trips one way or another.) It's one of those things that you love and hate all at the same time. I always find my days are better when I challenge myself first thing and have a feeling of accomplishment already under my belt. I can't deny though that I spent most of my day with my nose in a book. I started Ronda Rousey's book, My Fight/Your Fight, and I just can't put it down! Such an inspiring person.
By the time I finished my only class of the day, Irish studies, it was past 9 pm. I'm not used to my school day to begin at 6! I enjoyed an informational lecture on St. Patrick this evening, followed by a recitation where I got to meet several other international students. I can tell how much I've already learned about Irish history just in a couple lectures.
After class, I ended my night spending some time with my roommates Fiona and Jena. I'm so lucky to have ended up with great roommates who are some of the smartest, sweetest people I've met so far. The study abroad experience is still more than I had hoped for, and so pleasantly surprising each day.
Lastly, today is my Dad's birthday! I wanted to take some time to say happy birthday to him and to let everyone know how great of a Dad he is. I wouldn't be here on this study abroad, or be the strong-willed, motivated person I am today if it weren't for him. He, and my sister and mom, have always pushed me to be the best version of myself possible and never to limit myself. I am constantly pushing my limits just to see how far I can go and they've been there every step of the way! So grateful for you Dad, and I hope you had an awesome birthday back home. Love you.
I did manage to get an evening out with my roommate Jena where we spent our time walking to a cute little restaurant called Cinnamon on Ranelagh street. We treated ourselves to a coffee and the sweetest caramel tartlet. The room was decorated with Christmas lights, little pots of flowers, wine lining the walls, and candlit tables. (all of my favorite things!) I love searching for new places like this that can make you feel like you never want to leave. I find myself losing track of time when I'm in moments like these, having good conversation over some amazing food in drink in some of the most beautiful, unique places in the world.
I woke up this fine Wednesday and whipped up a small breakfast before torturing myself with another Spinning class at the rec center. (I have to work off all of those cafe trips one way or another.) It's one of those things that you love and hate all at the same time. I always find my days are better when I challenge myself first thing and have a feeling of accomplishment already under my belt. I can't deny though that I spent most of my day with my nose in a book. I started Ronda Rousey's book, My Fight/Your Fight, and I just can't put it down! Such an inspiring person.
By the time I finished my only class of the day, Irish studies, it was past 9 pm. I'm not used to my school day to begin at 6! I enjoyed an informational lecture on St. Patrick this evening, followed by a recitation where I got to meet several other international students. I can tell how much I've already learned about Irish history just in a couple lectures.
After class, I ended my night spending some time with my roommates Fiona and Jena. I'm so lucky to have ended up with great roommates who are some of the smartest, sweetest people I've met so far. The study abroad experience is still more than I had hoped for, and so pleasantly surprising each day.
Lastly, today is my Dad's birthday! I wanted to take some time to say happy birthday to him and to let everyone know how great of a Dad he is. I wouldn't be here on this study abroad, or be the strong-willed, motivated person I am today if it weren't for him. He, and my sister and mom, have always pushed me to be the best version of myself possible and never to limit myself. I am constantly pushing my limits just to see how far I can go and they've been there every step of the way! So grateful for you Dad, and I hope you had an awesome birthday back home. Love you.