Erin here-- sorry mom, I know you like Niall's posts better. :) Well, it has been one month since either of us signed on to this thing. Perhaps some of you don't check too often anyway... if you are one of those who do, sorry for the delay!
I have a day off today and I must say it feels lovely to be sitting here snuggled up on my couch with the fire crackling. I've read some of my book, had a cup of coffee, and I think I'll go make a cuppa tea now before I go any further!
... (getting my tea) ...
Right, where to start? Well, it's been mostly the usual routine for us these past 4 weeks. With that said, the usual routine for us is pretty busy. One or both of us is gone Monday - Thursday evenings after work so we always appreciate our quiet nights at home. There is never a moment for Niall when he has nothing to do! With three courses this semester at Queen's on top of full-time work, he is one stressed puppy. I try to lessen the burden of things by making nice dinners and not distracting him while he does homework on the weekends, but it is still hard to watch. Oh, the life of a student! I took a trip with him to his University library one Sunday a couple of weeks ago so he could pick up a book he had on reserve. I couldn't stand it in there for too long! It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon (sun and all!) and there were people in there zoned out in front of a computer, browsing through the dusky aisles of bookshelves, or asleep with their head in a book (yes, we really saw this). Oof. It made me appreciate this care-free phase of life I'm in!
The cafe is great. In less than one week, I will have been working at Soul Food for an entire year! I have no complaints and feel very grateful. Even if I found a different job here in Belfast, I can't ever imagine not being on the schedule at Soul Food. I would miss the cheery atmosphere and seeing the regulars (which are basically 90% of our clientele!). Also, Niall has forbade me from looking for other work because he loves going in there for lunch :) (just kidding... sort of...)
Some highlights since we last signed in:
I bought this handbook! Why? Well, Niall and I bought tickets for a little Spring holiday. We are leaving for Spain on Easter and staying for one week. We'll be visiting Seville and Granada before heading back down to the beach. I can't wait! I saw this for a couple of pounds at TK Maxx (it's TK over here, not TJ!) and thought I'd brush up on some of my high school vocabulary. :)
Februrary 2nd-3rd...
Niall and I went down to Dublin to play in the "UCD Blitz," a co-ed 6 on 6 tournament. I played in this same tournament in 2008 when I was an au pair for the Noonans! It was a great weekend and we got to play some high level games. We ended up losing in the semi-finals to another team that drove down from Belfast to play. We stayed with the Maddens in Naas so it was also great to spend time with the fam.
Back in Belfast...
My Queen's ladies' team is still going strong and I am really enjoying it. This photo was taken this past Tuesday night after we won our match. I am trying to talk Niall into becoming a Queen's man next season but we'll see. :)
And now, introducing...
Two of Ireland's most recent adventurers... Mr. and Mrs. Kovacevich! Yes, Santa Barbara locals made it to our humble abode here on the Ormeau Road. Niall and I got a surprise visit from Russ and Eileen and it was great! They only had two nights in Belfast, but they made the most of it. We got to have a Valentine's day dinner together, they explored the Northern Irish coast (as you can see in the photos above), and just relaxed at our place before seeing more of Belfast & then heading back down to Dublin. Luckily, Russ was good about snapping photos so here are a few from our short time together.
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| a romantic Vaentine's day dinner at our favorite place, Little Wing! |
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| double date :) |
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| The next day, I only had to cover a short lunch shift for someone in the afternoon, so I was able to take Russ and Eileen down to the local hot spot for a morning cup of joe :) |
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| they fit right in, don't you think?! |
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| a nice dinner in 304 after Russ and Eileen's sight seeing day |
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| our last morning enjoying a bit of St. George's market |
Well, I'm trying to think if there's any other news we should be updating you with. Overall, life is good here and I am continually humbled by God's provision and comfort for us here. It's hard to believe that March 1st is tomorrow-- just a few more months and I'll be back in Santa Barbara again! Thanks for all your love... I still get excited receiving e-mails from home, and a letter with an overseas stamp on it in our mailbox always makes my day. :) Missing and thinking of you all often.
love from ireland,
xox
erin
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