Well, I went to sit in on a class full of PhD students. Two things: I didn't get eaten alive and I wasn't I the oldest one inthe room; in fact quite the contary. I'm am one of the old and wise ones in my classes now. The prof was amazing. He took the time to answer questions for me and another observer. Everyone was so friendly and supportive, I think I can survive (by the skin of my teeth) this program. I will sum up the application process in the next couple of weeks and hopefully, I will conteplating dissertation topics on the emerald isle.
Saturday, March 27
Friday, March 26
T-minus 7 weeks
Before you continue reading this, i have to tell you that I am blogging from my iPhone that has a hyperactive spellcheck and rather touchy touch screen, so please forgive any typos. Oh, and I'm at work, so you will understand if this abruptly ends as I am throwing this sucker into my purse if need be.
We are getting so close to d day and our lives are going to be a whirlwind of packing, graduations, applications (yes took the plunge and am applying to a PhD program in leadership studies--GULP), and spending as much quality time as a family as possible in the next few weeks. This has been a year in the making and I can hardly believe it is here. This is it. Typical, my first abroad experience and I decide to do it for 10 weeks. While working. For free. I actually paid them. But I have the distinct feeling that this is going to be worth it. It's Ireland for goodness sake!
I can't wait to log on and tell everyone about it; whether anyone is listening or not, because in my head I have a loyal following of hundreds, and soon, I will be approached to make a movie of my experiences. yep, Julie and Julia style. My demeanor rarely gives you a clue as to what nonsense and grandiosity goes on in my head.......
We are getting so close to d day and our lives are going to be a whirlwind of packing, graduations, applications (yes took the plunge and am applying to a PhD program in leadership studies--GULP), and spending as much quality time as a family as possible in the next few weeks. This has been a year in the making and I can hardly believe it is here. This is it. Typical, my first abroad experience and I decide to do it for 10 weeks. While working. For free. I actually paid them. But I have the distinct feeling that this is going to be worth it. It's Ireland for goodness sake!
I can't wait to log on and tell everyone about it; whether anyone is listening or not, because in my head I have a loyal following of hundreds, and soon, I will be approached to make a movie of my experiences. yep, Julie and Julia style. My demeanor rarely gives you a clue as to what nonsense and grandiosity goes on in my head.......
So it Begins........
So many poeple have asked me why I choose to do this. Below I will share with you a portion of an essay I had to write. Perhaps it will give some poeple a glimpse into my head!
"Choosing Ireland as my first abroad experience was not a difficult one. The name “Ireland” conjures up a mystique that is characterized by tradition, pride, and beauty. I have seen pictures of the green countryside that is so characteristic of the Emerald Isle. I have read the words of some of the world’s great literary figures that were lucky enough to call Ireland, and Dublin, home. What I know of Dublin has come from books, movies, and travel guides. I view Dublin as being a city with an interesting and deep history; filled with beautiful architecture, museums, and landscaped squares that when put together makes for a cultural and charismatic city. To live there for even a short time would be an honor. Over time my heart has been pulled in this direction and now I may have the amazing opportunity for work there as an intern and I believe that when opportunity knocks, it is wise to answer.
Before I made the ultimate leap of faith and sought out my options, I had three other people to consider. I am a wife to a spectacular and supportive husband and the mother of two beautiful and intelligent children. I am an advocate of leading by example and I want my children to know that they have an entire world to play on and to learn from. It is with that knowledge that I hope they understand that they are citizens of the world and as such need to seek out and learn from others; to appreciate differences and use their voices to inspire betterment of society. It may sound as somewhat grandiose and cliché, but it is how view things. If they would like to come back to this sleepy West Texas town in which they grew up and live happy and healthy lives, I would be eternally grateful for their happiness. Until that time comes, I want them to know that their opportunities are immense. To share this experience with my family is going to be phenomenal and I am certain that we will learn much from Ireland and its people."
Through this blog, I hope to share a piece of this experience with you.
Initially, I will begin with letting you know how out trip is coming together. With time, I hope that I will have more and more pictures to share with you!
"Choosing Ireland as my first abroad experience was not a difficult one. The name “Ireland” conjures up a mystique that is characterized by tradition, pride, and beauty. I have seen pictures of the green countryside that is so characteristic of the Emerald Isle. I have read the words of some of the world’s great literary figures that were lucky enough to call Ireland, and Dublin, home. What I know of Dublin has come from books, movies, and travel guides. I view Dublin as being a city with an interesting and deep history; filled with beautiful architecture, museums, and landscaped squares that when put together makes for a cultural and charismatic city. To live there for even a short time would be an honor. Over time my heart has been pulled in this direction and now I may have the amazing opportunity for work there as an intern and I believe that when opportunity knocks, it is wise to answer.
Before I made the ultimate leap of faith and sought out my options, I had three other people to consider. I am a wife to a spectacular and supportive husband and the mother of two beautiful and intelligent children. I am an advocate of leading by example and I want my children to know that they have an entire world to play on and to learn from. It is with that knowledge that I hope they understand that they are citizens of the world and as such need to seek out and learn from others; to appreciate differences and use their voices to inspire betterment of society. It may sound as somewhat grandiose and cliché, but it is how view things. If they would like to come back to this sleepy West Texas town in which they grew up and live happy and healthy lives, I would be eternally grateful for their happiness. Until that time comes, I want them to know that their opportunities are immense. To share this experience with my family is going to be phenomenal and I am certain that we will learn much from Ireland and its people."
Through this blog, I hope to share a piece of this experience with you.
Initially, I will begin with letting you know how out trip is coming together. With time, I hope that I will have more and more pictures to share with you!
Wednesday, March 10
Establishing Goals
Really, what am I thinking? I have not lived alone in my 30-something (a young 30) years on this earth and I am about to head to a city thousands of miles away, that over a million people call home--only to live alone for over a month. Seriously? But, I am determined. I am going to establish some independance in Dublin. I have never gone to see a movie alone: Goal #1. I have never gone to a museum alone: Goal #2. Finally, I am going to hop on a train and head to another town with no specific plan, armed only with my wits and a travel guide.Oh, and that pepper spray Mom was so good to acquire for me. Goal #3.
Wish me luck. I can be the queen of "why I shouldn't do this" at times..........
Wish me luck. I can be the queen of "why I shouldn't do this" at times..........
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
