Got Crazy?

After spending a whole semester abroad with a schedule much more lackadaisical than mine usually is, I was quite unprepared for when I re-entered the "Connie-bubble." Imagine, Converse, as a mini-city where the student are the working pedestrians that are always in a rush some place. That is my life! The month of January was filled with clarinet and guitar lessons and completing over 70 hours of observation and teaching in a middle school band class. I loved spending all day every day with the middle school band kids, but when that only leaves you with 4pm to 10:30pm (remember bed time is 11:00, now that you wake up at 6:00am) to get everything else accomplished.

Then February hit and it has been like a freight train. The first weekend was spent at the SCMEA conference, which I spent a lot of time planning for the Converse students attending, model league practices and then NATO conference took up the rest of the weekends, and I officially entered student teaching. I am no longer just observing, but I am running one class everyday and when my teacher is absent I am in charge of them all.

Last Thursday, February 12, was my first time teaching all the classes (6 total) by myself and I was pretty nervous considering Mrs. Crutchlow wouldn't be there to save me if it went bad. Overall, it went pretty well and I realized how much you end up changing your lesson plan from first period to the end of the day as you perfect different aspects. I had a few sassy children, with one saying "Thank God, Finally!" when I reminded them I would be out of town for a conference the next day. And I will admit, I let that statement beat me up for about a half hour--even sitting in my car and crying. But then I remembered that middle school kids are full of hormones and maybe that kid wasn't having a good day and maybe it wasn't my best lesson. But we are both learning.

My senior clarinet recital is in two weeks with a pre-hearing in 6 days and SERMAL, model conference, is in three weeks. Still working on graduate school applications and am submitting some teaching jobs to try and finalize plans for after graduation.

Good thing I like to be busy right?

2015

I had such an amazing 2014 which definitely went above and beyond anything I could have imagined. So I found it really hard to make new years resolutions this year. Though this may be for the best, because after about the first month, I forget what my new years resolutions are, it felt strange entering the new year with what seemed like no goals. I definitely have goals for 2015, like have an amazing senior year, be in graduate school in August, learn as much as I can, and continue traveling.

So far 2015 holds high hope for being even better then 2014. I was reunited with my roommates and best friends Molly and Megan. And these two ladies, planned for me to meet my newest Little in person for dinner. Morgan, my Little, took me to Greenville for dinner and gelato as a way of distracting me from the surprise welcome home party that was getting set up in my apartment on campus. Almost 20 of m favorite people were crammed into the apartment where we ate chips and played Cards Against Humanities. I felt so loved and was so appreciative. The next day I felt even more love when Grace, my best friend and roommate from last year, surprised me with a visit to Converse on the night of the winter ball.

 

 

I've just started working at the school that I will be completing my student teaching at, and it has been both terrifying and exciting. Before starting the practicum, I felt completely unprepared for student teaching and even though I don't think I've done amazing every day so far and won't at any point feel this way, I definitely feel prepared to take on this chapter of my life. I mean who wouldn't feel this way if there was a three flavor coffee kiosk in the library across the hall from the band room?

 

Even though I am quite content not getting on a plane for a while, and can have an amazing year stateside, I cannot wait to see what this year has to hold in all aspects of life.

 

love always,

 

 



Just a Vacation

One of my dear new friends that I met while studying abroad, Anna, liked to joke that Darien and I (Americans studying for just a semester in Cork) were not there for academic reasons but just on a vacation because of the amount of traveling we did. And while I understand her point, please know that I have written more essays in these four months than in the past three years of my undergrad career. But here is a run down of the "mini-vacations" that took place before my arrival stateside.

A "mini-vacation" that just meant some exciting events right at home in Cork city, Cork Guinness-sponsored Jazz Festival. Musicians of all ages had taken over every pub, club, and restaurant in Cork city. And there are many of those! Even though I only went out for one night of the weekend-filled event due to assignments, I had an absolute blast rocking out to traditional jazz ensembles, rock bands, and a brass band.

Two weeks later, on November 1st API took a day trip to Kinsale. Even though it chose to poor down rain in stereotypical Irish fashion that day, our group braved the freezing weather to explore Charles Fort, the most intact star-shaped fort in England, and then do some shopping around town. Even though much of our day was spent traveling and only spent three hours in Kinsale, it was by far one of the quaintest towns I visited and I would love to go back. Also there is a super cute shop owner who spoke to me and my friend about our travels and where to go for probably 30 minutes.

The next weekend, in part with my introduction geology fieldtrip, I traveled to three beaches within a half hour of Cork city to study their makeup. I accidently, slept through 13 alarms, on Saturday and so missed my assigned field trip but thankfully my professor was nice enough to let me join in Sunday with the diploma seeking students. This gave me an opportunity to meet people outside of my class and we found a fossil!!

The next weekend, I traveled yet again to Dublin this time with some girlfriends for a relaxing weekend. For this weekend, we participated in a musical pub crawl with two traditional musicians leading. I would highly recommend this hilarious tour that is filled with interesting and educational information on the music of Ireland.

November 21st and 22nd was spent traveling to Dingle. Dingle, a beach town, about four hours away from Cork is a small town with renowned fame for Fungi the Dingle Dolphin. Don't believe me? Check out his website!! One of my best friends gained from being abroad, Darien, and I participated in "turtle time" that weekend bringing only our almost exploding backpacks. And it would not have been complete, if we didn't spend an hour freezing on a boat circling the ocean as Fungi jumped around.

One of my most extensive times spent traveling away from Cork, was when my Ireland and Rome history course spent five days in Rome. This trip wasn't all fun and no play though, during this trip all the monuments that were presented were done by students. My partner, John, and I presented on St. John's Lateran. This church is the apostolic church of Roman Catholicism, even being the main seat of the Pope, unlike the more popularly known St. Peter's Basilica. During this trip, I made friends with all my fellow students, but in particular 4 Americans and one Irish. These ladies and I spent most of the trip doubled over, whether in laughter or in pain from too much pasta, pizza, or gelato, we will never know. (Also met a South Carolinian in our favorite gelato shop--knew she was from SC by her accent)

Another "turtle time" weekend, Darien and I traveled up to Dublin to catch a bus tour to Newgrange. Newgrange is one of the most prolific stone age passage tomb's in Ireland with the main tomb being only about 19 meter's long. Even for someone not as much of a history buff as Darien, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the ancient cultures of Ireland and the world that would have lived during the building of these passage tombs.

One of my most nerve-wracking trips was when Darien and I ventured to Belfast in Northern Ireland in conjunction with Newgrange. Even in the south of Ireland, one hears stories of how strict Northern Ireland is run and that the bordered used to be patrolled, stops are still made to check visas, etc. And of course, it would be after about an hour on the bus that I realize I left my passport in my closet. We stopped in Dublin for two nights in order to catch the tou to Newgrange and a Paddywagon tour to Belfast and let's just say after a night spent at one of the best jam sessions in Dublin
 we went back to our 22 girl dorm hostel room to sleep. Never do it--there are bound to be crazies. After pulling an all-nighter we toured Newgrange, then ventured through the ghetto in Dublin to our next hostel. Once across the border with no problems, I saw the Dark Hedges that were used in the filming of Game of Thrones, walked across the Carrick-a-rope bridge, Giants Causeway, and then did some exploring of beautiful Belfast city and its Christmas market.

 

 

Even with all the scary talk, Belfast was a beautiful and welcoming city that I would definitely venture back to but in warmer weather.

My last trip with Darien and other API friends was to Galway and the Aran Islands. In Galway, we got to experience the Christmas market and craft market and then took an hour long bus ride and forty-five minute ferry ride to the largest of the Aran Islands. There, ignoring the rain, the four of us hiked around the island exploring all it had to offer and just enjoying our last weekend in Ireland.

My final weekend abroad, my roommate and best friend Rebecca and I took a two-day trip to Paris. I let it slip that it was on the top of my bucket list to go to Paris but my mother and I were unable to make it happen. For 19 euro each way, this trip was a lot more affordable than trying to make it there in August. Rebecca and I saw a lot and did a lot in two days--including sleeping A LOT!!!

 

I had such an amazing 2014! Thanks to all those who helped me travel and grow as a person and who experienced the travel with me.

Quote-aholic

If I had to go to some ______ Anonymous meeting, Pinterest addiction could very easily be one of those. But what first got me hooked on Pinterest was the wealth of quotes I could find. While I now use Pinterest almost like a Google search box and have far too many boards for my own good, it is still looking at quotes that I can waste the most amount of my time doing.

Here are some of my most recent favorites:

This quote has been on my mind a lot the past few days. I don't want to say that how I feel is any different from a great number of people, men and women included. But to be honest, there are very few days I look in the mirror and think "yeah I look good." I joke and say that the opening of Princess Diaries where Anne Hathaway looks in the mirror and says "this is as good as it's gonna get," are my good days. And I don't want anyone to read this and feel bad for me, but this quote helps me conquer those bad days. Even though I am personally far too young to start having children, knowing that I want to set a good example of positive body image for my future children helps push some of the negative comments away.

 

 

This is so relevant to my life right now and has been a true life lesson. I used to feel that my life was often boring and wondered why I didn't feel compelled to do a lot of the things many college students do. Now, I haven't been going crazy while in Ireland but going to pubs and clubs is a huge part of the culture and I have partaken in going with some girlfriends for a fun night out. And as much fun as I have dancing and laughing the night away, I cannot wait to get back to my life of scheduled pin time with my best friend. I'm sure I will do a whole post about what this trip has taught me, and number one is I am content with how I choose to live my life.

Anyone else out there make a list of everything you want to accomplish that day and then have no motivation to do it. This then causes you to mentally beat yourself up about how useless you were that day. Well, I do! I say this because it is true and I say it often, quite often to my academic advisors and college friends who think my schedule is insane, but I honestly enjoy being busy. If I don't have things penciled into my schedule I don't know what to do with myself. Circa freshmen Jan term--one class from 10am to 12pm and that was it. Way too much free time. But every once in a while I do enjoy those days where I do absolutely nothing...well, until about 10pm where I realize that I did absolutely nothing. So thank you Pinterest for sharing a quote that tells me it is okay to have days where I just breathe and that's it.

 

 And to end on a humorous note:

 love always,

 

 



On My Radar

I wanted to write a post that gives an insight into what has been on my radar in terms of news articles, music, tv, etc. as of recent. While most of my time recently has been spent practicing clarinet or Uilleann pipes or writing essays, here are some things that have been occupying my fried brain during my work breaks.

First off, I have to post a link to this awesome blog Converse College Admission shared on Facebook. Not only is there a short piece about a mother and daughter alumni duo from Converse that were representatives for the university at a college fair, but the whole blog is dedicated to the advantages of women's colleges.

http://advantages-of-a-womens-college.blogspot.ie/2014/10/its-college-fair-time.html

Another article that literally hits close to home is about the top 10 non-touristy attractions in Myrtle Beach. During our many breaks from working, my roommate Rebecca and I like to find articles or quizzes about our respective home towns and accents. I was one of the first people she had met with a southern accent and she is my first Geordie speaking friend.

http://www.movoto.com/blog/opinions/myrtle-beach-top-10/

For the next thing that has been on my radar for a couple weeks, I have to explain that I am one of those people that can and cannot work in silence. Some noises like people talking or pen clicking really distract me, but at the same time I have found studying in a library is too quite. So a lot of time I will work/study while listening to music. And what has been playing through my headphones has been the awesome group Booka Brass Band. I even got to see these guys live during the Cork Guinness Jazz Festival.

I'm going to leave you all with that awesome video and the two links to check out in your free time. Also, 45 days left until my return to the states!! I can't believe it

love always,



Swing of Things

Now that I've gotten into the swing of things here are some gifs that I think perfectly sum up my life thus far.

When my roommate Rebecca feels like there is an awkward silence (even if it's not awkward).



Whenever I leave for a weekend trip



When someone says they think the  washer or dryer is working, so you put your clothes in and then they get locked inside.



Whenever someone tries to take a picture of me while on an excursion or at a party.




My response when someone asks me why I chose to study abroad here.



Trying to finish the food you just paid way too much for before it expires.



How I feel in my 5-7pm lectures, no offense to the professors--it's late and I'm usually hungry.



When I wake up sick right before two clarinet lessons and an ensemble rehearsal.



When my parents ask why I bought the new clothes in my Facebook photos.



When people scream outside your window at 3AM because they just got back from a night out.



My roommate, Marilyne's reaction when I ask her how to use the can opener...AGAIN.



Every single time I spend money on groceries.



When TESCO changes their policy that non-Europeans have to show their passport to buy alcohol and all you have is your driver's license.



When I think about all the work that needs to be done on my thesis.



When trying to figure out what to do after studying abroad AND graduation.



When I think of all the essays I have to write.



When I Skype one of my friends from home and they ask how my life is.



When a professor says a paper is due in January, but international students have to turn it in in December.



When you get top honors on a geology lab that was crazy hard.



When the parents bring up the countdown to my return to the states.

love always,

The Roomies

I'll be completely honest here, one of the things I was the most nervous about with coming over to Ireland with out knowing anyone else was who am I going to live with. Except for freshmen year at Converse, you choose who you live with. Which of course means, I picked my best friends to live with and I was lucky enough to switch rooms as a freshman to live with my best friends. Now I was relying completely on luck for good roommates. We didn't even fill out a survey on cleanliness, study preferences, or anything. The only thing I asked for was the option of a same sex suite versus co-ed living.

Freshmen Roommates

Sophomore and Junior Year Roommates



Senior Year Roommates

 On September 1st when I was allowed to move in to Deanshall, I partly hoped that I would be the first to move in so I could settle in before the awkward welcomes began while also hoping there would be someone there so I wouldn't be completely alone in this new place the first night. When I walked in to my apartment the room key for the bedroom across from mine was hanging in the door meaning the resident had checked in, I heard a language I thought to be French coming from one closed bedroom door and the hum of a hairdryer from another. But other than soft sounds from closed bedrooms and food in the fridge it was a uneventful first day. For the first few days I tried to keep my bedroom door propped open as much as I could, pulling on the advice Converse CA's tell freshmen upon moving in. Sadly no meetings happened and no one else followed my lead of open doors. This was followed by lonely meals eaten in my bedroom, until finally my roommate Rebecca started eating in the kitchen and I joined her. And finally around the second or third week we all had gotten over the initial awkwardness.

 

 

Next door to me I have fellow American and Southerner, Elaine. Rachel, who isn't pictured above, resides across from me but lives not too far away and so is home Friday through Monday. Then we have Marilyne, from Strasbourg, France, who is the real cook in the apartment. And lastly, Rebecca from Newcastle or party city in England. Since getting past the awkwardness we have celebrated together with decorations and cakes Rebecca's 24th birthday, Elaine's 21st, and will soon celebrate Marilyne's 22nd.

 

These ladies are hilarious, supportive, and I can now say very good friends. As my days left in Ireland become fewer and fewer, I count my blessings at having people who I not only get along living with but that get along well enough that we actually want to hang out outside of bumping into each other in the kitchen. So thank you to whoever keeps sending me all this good luck!