We're back!

Well it's been exactly two weeks since we left Santa Barbara.  When I say it like that it doesn't sound long, but it already feels like it's been forever!  Thankfully Niall and I are feeling pretty settled in again over here.  It's back to the usual routine for both of us and we've been keeping busy.  I will admit, when we first got back into Belfast I was a bit down.  Throughout my first day back at work on Monday I felt like I was on the verge of tears!  Deep down I thought it may take a couple of weeks to get settled in again-- thank goodness that was true because I feel fine now.  It was a blessing coming home to Belfast this time and having a job and a life.  Not like last year when I woke up on Monday morning and Niall was gone to work while I had absolutely nothing to do!  Work has been keeping me busy.  We're a bit understaffed at the moment which is great for me because I'm consistently getting 4-5 shifts a week.  Keeps me on my toes!  Niall came home and studied lots straight away because he took his last exam on the Wednesday of our first week home.  He is on a 3 week break from school now before starting up again next semester.  (they do things differently over here... exams are AFTER the Christmas break... how terrible is that?!)

Well, some exciting news: it's snowing!  I know it sounds weird because I'm always complaining about the cold, and snow means it's REALLY cold... but it's kind of fun.  :)  It started up this afternoon and by the time I got off work there was a thin white layer covering everything.  It was fun being in Soul Food and looking out the window every now and then to see the white flakes swirling around.  It will probably finish up tonight and be melted away by the rain tomorrow.

view from our room

Ormeau Road

keeping it cozy in 304! :)

Unfortunately we didn't break out the camera that much while were home in SB... but here are a few.  Most of you already know but I got pretty sick halfway through the trip so I wasn't feeling too photogenic!

good to be back in 5543!

The infamous rocket.  I was in bed sick for the first launch but I got to see the other 2 launches on a clear day.  So cool!

our first anniversary :)

snapping a few shots from San Marcos pass

December 31st... we loved being there to celebrate for Heather's 24th!

pretty sure this was taken while I was in bed sick!  Niall went to the SB airport and watched planes :)

Random side note, but here's my favorite Christmas present:

A typewriter!  I know, a bit old fashioned, but I have been having so much fun with this thing.  I love typing letters on it (though I'm still a firm believer that hand written letters are the best) because it's faster to write more and my hand doesn't cramp up.  I try to use it while Niall is at work because I'm pretty sure I drive him nuts whenever I'm on it.  One day I was typing away while he was sitting on the couch.  I asked if I was annoying him and he replied, "I feel like a parent who just bought their kid a drumset for Christmas and is totally regretting it!"  :)  Ha ha.  I admit, it is pretty loud.

Anyway, I think that is all for now.  I'm missing everyone in CA already... sometimes it's hard to believe that our 2 week trip home has already come and gone.  I apologize to anyone we didn't get to spend much time with or didn't get to see at all.  It can be really difficult when there are so many people we love but not enough time!  :/

Hope you all have a lovely weekend... would be nice if some of you could pop into Soul Food for a coffee tomorrow, I'll be there working away!  Love you guys.

xox
erin

p.s.  Mom or Evan do you have any photos from Christmas and if so can you send me some?!