Beginning of Week 3

Today was another beautiful day in Dublin. I have been grabbing a sandwich at lunch and going over to Merrion Square to eat and read. People seem to love the sunshine here, many strip down and lay in the lawn to nap. One day I sat down only to look to my right and see a man laying out in his underwear--yep, stripped right down in his tighty whities. I can't make this stuff up, my friends. You gotta love the nonchalance of some of the people here. I had to suppress a giggle; I was really amused--in a shocked and whimsical way. Could you imagine that happening in Sonora, Texas? The cops would be all over it. 

I was able to leave the school fairly early today, so I decided to go visit the National Gallery of Ireland. I figure I will regret not visiting some things while I am here alone. I mean, how many times do I get to spend nine weeks in Ireland? Since I was alone, there was not pressure to hurry, so I spent awhile there. Now, I thoroughly enjoyed my art history class in college, but I am not even close to being an art expert nor could I even pretend to speculate color, light, or themes. So, for a novice I was only there to enjoy the sheer genius and talent of these painters, most of whom, I have never heard of.  However, I did recognize two painters' names: Monet and Rembrandt. I had to do a double take as I was so excited to see their paintings right in front of me--I don't think I ever had. I seriously need to get out more. There was a Picasso somewhere in there, but I missed it somehow. The place goes on forever and I think I may have missed a couple of rooms.

I did not take any pictures of the gallery....okay one. Really quick. While I was alone and running up the stairs. I don't know if we were allowed to take pictures and I figured that on my first solo outing, that I would rather NOT be escorted out by security. So, it was the only one I attempted. But it turned out blurry, so my quick attempt at being mischievous was in vain.

What I have noted (or now am outwardly admitting) about myself is that I am not good at making friends. I feel socially awkward, which is really weird since I am actually kind, witty, and fun. :) Rebecca was always good at it and I always felt a bit in her shadow growing up--a situation I don't think I created for myself, but I did not make strides to changes either. Robert is great at making friends too, he can strike up a conversation with almost anyone and for the last few years, he has been my representative; my buffer in most things social. Thank goodness I married my best friend. I am good on my own turf, but take me out of my comfort zone and I turn into a wallflower. It takes me awhile to warm up in novel situations. I'm like Shrek--I have layers. Hopefully, Ireland will have enough time to get to know me before I go.



I established 3 goals before I arrived, it is written in a past post. One was accomplished today.