The Best of our Year in Ireland

For the last few weeks Adam and I have been spontaneously shouting out things like "We get to shop at Costco again!", "We get to see Parker!", "Real Mexican food!", and "We will have a garbage disposal again!". Silly I know, but it is the little things that have us excited about our return to the US. 

Of course the same thing is bound to happen on the other end. You always want what you can't have I guess. So I thought I would reflect on some of the things we have enjoyed and seen over the year that I know we are going to miss.

The Cork City English Market

Barry's Tea

McVities Digestive Biscuits (I prefer the dark chocolate ones!)

Extensive selection of Haribo candies

Father Ted, A hilarious Irish situation comedy about 3 crazy priest and their house keeper.

Being able to walk into town everyday

Stitch and Bitch at Abbot's Ale House

Traditional music and a pint at the Sin e.

Murphy's Irish Stout (you would think Guinness, but Murphy's is better!)

Republic of Telly (Irish News Satire and sketch comedy show)

Jedward "S'up John?" "S'up Edward?"

Good brown bread

Being just a short car ride away from some of the most beautiful scenery in the world

TAYTOS! (I love Salt & Vinegar!)

Exploring Ireland's West coast

Easy travel to Europe; and visits to London, Denmark, Belgium, Prague, and Berlin

Access to all sorts of European beers

Banoffee (Banana and toffee Pie with a biscuit crust and cream!)

Exploring numerous castles and forts

Marks & Spencers yummy pre-packaged salads and foods

Cork City Firebirds Roller Derby

Picking up the Irish slang and saying things like "yer man" "given out to ya" "takin' the piss" "will we?" "feckin' knackers"

Learning about and watching GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) sports like football and hurling

Adam and my father playing Old Head, one of the most famous and amazing golf courses in Ireland

24-7 Friends and/or Two and a Half Men on tv

Making the acquaintance of some very lovely sheep!

And above all, our wonderful new friends, who helped make Ireland feel so much more like home!

All Good Things Must End

This time last year I was in our home in Raleigh, North Carolina starting to plan out our big move across the pond! They say all things are cyclical, and so it makes sense that a year later I am going through the exact same thing but heading back the other direction! Yes you heard me correctly, we are moving back to the USA! I always knew we would go back someday, I just did not expect it to be this soon. However, like they say all good things must come to an end.

We made the difficult decision a few weeks ago to leave Ireland behind. Adam has gained valuable work experience with this company but ultimately the job just was not the right fit.  Additionally, there has been an unfinished PhD dissertation looming over his head for the last year. Those are the two main things that have spurred our return to the states.

We will be hanging our hats temporarily with my parents in Florida. Certainly not where I saw myself at 32, but feeling blessed that they have offered to put up with us until we figure out our next move.  Obviously for Adam it means finishing his writing and research so he can obtain his doctorate. For me it means spending quality time with my family, brushing up on my golf swing, continuing to work on my painting, and maybe even a part-time job.

Certainly mixed emotions about this move. We do not regret the decision to live and work abroad for the last year. It has been a wonderful adventure that has not only shaped us as individuals, but has strengthened  our partnership as well. We were given the opportunity to travel, explore, and make amazing new friends!

Party Pics!

Just received photos from the Hedgehog Fibres new studio launch party and could not wait to share them with you! I mentioned yesterday that my creative and talented friend Beata's business hand-dyeing yarn and spinning fibers has been booming, therefore, requiring a new studio space. Along with the help of her equally talented friends/employees Laura and Maire, the girls took the space from a boring grey concrete box to a bright white, cheerful, and eclectic studio! 

To introduce friends and fans alike to her new digs Beata decided to host a grand opening party and asked if I would be interested in helping out with the party planning details. I of course jumped at the chance because as you know I love any excuse to throw a party! I certainly cannot take all the credit, but I like to think I was of some help in making it a special evening for Beata and her guests.

So without further ado below are a few pictures of the studio launch party courtesy of our friend Miki of Miki Barlok Photography.

Notice the fibers hanging on the drying rack in the background?

Hedgehog Fibre yarn used to make simple fun decor!

Lots of home brewed beer and cider!

Doing my best to toast to Beata's success.

Cheers to the success of Hedgehog Firbres!

Notice the Hedgehog Fibres yarn wrapped around the stem of the champagne flute?!

DJ Mad Matt and Bryan sporting their finest for the occasion!

Adam and I with the talented Miss Beata of Hedgehog Fibres.