Just to say "Hello"

Hi everyone... for once, I am actually just writing for no particular reason except that I am in the mood!

First off... to my family... I miss you guys SO much.  I think about you all the time.  For some reason, I've been a bit homesick this week.  I've gotten over the half way mark, and while sometimes it seems like it went by really fast, other times December still seems so far away.  I hope this is the last time I have to go a whole year without seeing everyone!  It feels like forever.  On that note-- Niall and I are pretty sure we're going to come home during the summertime next year... yipee!  We want to get a few Santa Clause beach days in.  :)

A few random notes I would like to write about:

Happy Birthday Ben!  Today Ben is SEVEN.  I can't believe it.  For those of you who don't know, Ben was only 2 1/2 when I went over to Ireland in 2008 to au pair in Bruff.  I think we made a pretty good team... and we got to know each other pretty well since Bob and Lucy were in school most of the day.  Ben was a great little sidekick to have.  :)  I really miss the Noonan family and since February we haven't been able to see each other.  I am planning on making it down to Limerick in September... can't wait!

Ben and me in 2008  :)

Some of you know this already, but three of my BEST college friends from Westmont are getting married this summer.  Needless to say, I am a bit gutted that I can't be there.  :(  However, I am so happy for them, especially since I wholeheartedly approve of all their fiances.  :)  Miss Molly Hufnagel is getting married TODAY!  I am so excited for her and Josh.  I met Molly my first year at Westmont, and even though we're both living out of the country (she is a teacher in Honduras!), she is still so dear and close to my heart.  Love you TONS Molly... I am so happy for you.

Molly and me in our Westmont days

Nick and Claire are a really great couple that Niall and I are lucky to know over here.  Nick is Niall's volleyball coach and friend, and he just recently proposed to Claire!  We are really excited for them.  Here's a photo of the four of us... I actually meant to put some of these up awhile ago, it was from a fancy volleyball dinner that we went to.

Well, what else.  Work has been going well for both Niall and myself.  At the moment, he is really busy at Bombardier... which has its pros and cons, but I'm pretty sure he loves his job and I know he's great at it.  Soul Food continues to be a really nice fit for me.  I know it's not a "career," but for the time being, I can't help but feel it's where God wants me to be.  I've gotten to know my co-workers better and we all get along well.  About a week ago we all went out on a Saturday night for a few drinks and that was really fun!

Olympics start today.  SO many people that we know are going.  Now, the one thing that bothers Niall isn't that we don't have tickets, or that we won't be in London... it's that we don't have a TV!  It's really been getting to him that we're either going to have to watch coverage on our computer screen, or crash on Oran's couch!  :)  I just got up to take a picture of our sitting room.  See if you can notice anything unusual...

Well, I'll tell you.  On the right, can you see the string that is taped to the wall?!  Niall has been battling with himself all week on what to do.  He's put up some string of the sizes of TV's he's considering.  I'll admit, I am Karen Dohm's daughter, so I haven't necessarily been his biggest cheerleader!  On the other hand, I am a huge sports fan, and I too would love to be able to watch big sporting events in our own home.  And hey, I'll admit, sometimes after a busy day, there's nothing like plopping down on the couch and turning on the tube!  We'll see what Niall decides.  The opening ceremonies are tonight so I am very curious...

Though we haven't been having the greatest summer weather over here, it's still nice to have the warmth (not hot like home... but it's been in the 60's, which is better than freezing!).  And I am loving how it stays light out until so late at night.  It's easy to get into the habit of complaining about little things that I'm not used to... I need to remind myself sometimes to just go with it and not be so grumpy!  Life's too short.

Ok, I think that's all for now.  It's Friday and I'm not working, so I better write some letters that I owe to some of you back home!  Love you all.  Keep emailing me or sending letters my way... even if it takes a few weeks... I PROMISE I will get back to you.  :)

xox