Back in the U.S.of A

After all of this travel time (well over 24 hours) I am back into the routine of things again.  Not exactly thrilled about it.  The colors around me aren't as bright or beautiful quite like it is in Ireland.  Flew back in through JFK on Monday evening and got back to Richmond late monday night.  I hate that airport... way too many rude people.  I took tuesday off from work to catch up on unpacking, laundry, and to get anything else done that needed to be done.  My grandparents and aunt also drove up from Florida to spend a week.  It's been so much all at once and I am exhausted.  Was supposed to have a client at nine this morning.  I went to work and no one showed for me.  Apparently my boss had done the client earlier next week and no one failed to tell me.  Venting a bit and came home to work on some school work before I have to go back to work. Have to order supplies and start the crazy work week... don't know where I will begin to find the time.

All is well in Killarney..

Hello Folks,

I'm now in Killarney, Ireland.  This is in the southern peninsula of the country if you don't know what I am talking about.  I absoultely love it here. So far, I've been to Belfast, Derry, Dingle, Dublin, Dun Laoghaire, Connemara, Westport... among a lot more.  Lovin' the people, the pubs, the coffees, and our tour group.  We've had a great tour guide so far for this whole trip... made a lot of things fun. Half of our closest friends in the group left today out of Shannon Airport.. while we still have 3 more days of travelling. Hate to say it but I feel quite sad now..  it was much more fun with them around.. I'm the youngest in this tour group... with the average median age being 75.   Food in Ireland is alright. You get lots of fish and chips, bangers and mash, pint of guiness or carlberg. . and you're set.   Anyway, made some great lovely friends and will definitely be back.  I recommend all of you to try a trip out this way ... you won't be sorry.  Make sure you go on a tour.. you will get to see many more things!

Alyssa

Greetings from Dublin :)

Hello from across the pond...

I've arrived with mom in tow safely to Dublin, Ireland... not without a bit of unfortunate circumstances along the way.  I was searched in the airport multiple times, almost restricted from getting on the airplane because my ticket record could not be found, experienced flight delays because of a generator problem, and then my seat itinerary moved me to another area in the plane away from my mother.  When we arrived in Dublin my mother's suitcase is no where to be found. They promised it to arrive to our hotel today and now they have said that they have no idea where it is.  In this weather here you need to be prepared with lots of layers and she has nothing but a spare change of clothes.  So, today after we slept a bit we had to raid Dublin's shopping district to buy some necessities to live off of until they find her suitcase.  Therefore we didn't get to see the sites too much.. only mainly shopping department stores... but I am getting my experience with the euro's system. You learn quickly that the American dollar is worth nothing here...   Despite all the issues to get here I am really loving this city.. it's chilly here and quite cloudy ... though I can't say I expected any less.  Tomorrow we are off to Dun Laoghaire to overlook the bay... then onto Belfast... Hope to post many pictures on here next week! 

October 7th... one of the hardest days of the year for me.

Today is the day that two years ago I lost my father.  The sadness that still surrounds me is very real.  Though I have had such a busy week that I haven't had too much time to think about it.  I took the day off today to spend it with my mom and our good family friends.  We all plan to honor my dad with a shot (or a few shots) of Jameson tonight... my dad's Irish drink of choice :)   So many good memories. 

On a brighter note... I am leaving for Ireland on Monday.  We will be travelling on an escorter tour and will get to see a lot of the main highlights of Ireland (including the northern territory).  I am so very excited.   I was supposed to go to Prague and Vienna last May but my uncle suddenly past away a week before we were supposed to leave and it had gotten cancelled.  I was very bummed because my good friend/love lives in Prague and it had been almost two years since we had last seen each other.   We re scheduled our trip to Vienna/Prague for now and that had gotten messed up too so we are going to Ireland instead. I think this was all part of Dad's plan for my mom and I.  He was an old Irish soul and embraced the culture so I think it seems rather appropriate that this is where we will end up :)

My house was just put on the market this week which also drugs up a lot of emotions for me.  It's the house I have grown up in and full of so many memories of my father.  In this economy though we can't afford to keep it.  We will see how fast it sells....

Sorry to bring up many depressing subjects but this is how I have been feeling this week... when I have time to dwell.  

Hopefully, in the next week I will bring you stories of Ireland! :)

Welcome To My World

Hello Everyone:

I am rather leery about putting my personal life out there for others to embark on.  However, seeing that this is a graded assigment I figured that I would give it a try.   I am currently in this program at Kaplan to go further and continue my education in Naturopathic Medicine. Why you ask?  I became very interested in a more integrated approach to healing when my dad became ill with breast cancer.  By the time it was diagnosed it had metastisized to the brain, bones, and spinal fluid.   His course of treatment was aggressive and greuling.  I don't understand why standard medical treatment takes quality out of life.   To make a longer story short my father past away almost 2 years ago this October.  Life changed as a I knew it. 
I am now 21 year old hairstylist, living with and taking care of my wonderful mother,  and recently became an aunt to a stunning baby boy named Aidan. I have come very far in a short time doing hair. I own my own business and work for myself.  I have built strong relationships with my clients. I hold myself to very high standards and wish to do many things in my life.  I am very dedicated to my family as well as my friends. 
My one night a week escape is for watching One Tree Hill and Life Unexpected.  I've been successful at bringing youth back into my mom's life... we are best friends.  My sister also lives close.. although with conflicting schedules we don't see each other much.    I am a proud mamma of two little yorkies... who I love more than anything.  I shall sign off though for now.. wouldn't want to bore anyone :)

Marley

Mom and I

Allie, Marley

My sister and Aidan

Me, my dad, and my mom

Toodaloo