Extrodinary

Petra, Jordan was one of the most stunning places I have ever been. It baffles me how people so long ago (sometime in the 6th century BC) carved such beautiful and intricate artwork into the side of a stone mountain. This is a picture of the largest facade in Petra. I know you can't tell from this shot but the entrance was a couple feet taller than me. We wanted to go inside but there wasn't steps. It is 164 ft high x 147 ft wide... thats a little more than 13 stories high!!! It really puts you in your place standing in front of it. I rode a mule up the mountain to see this...it was about 800 very steep steps. It was too dangerous to ride the mule back down so we walked. We did so much walking... so much. The first day we climbed about 750 steps to the 'High Place' to see the sun set, so needless to say I was happy about the mule ride the next day.

The entrance way to the city is enclosed by these towering rocks. There was such a cool echo while we walked through...so many people chatting and horses, mules, camels, and donkeys makin' all sorts of noise. It was also one of the few places with shade. There was a cool and much appreciated breeze here as well. We stopped to have lunch here. Before we went into the city we stopped and got Shwarma...it's an Arab sandwich like wrap with shaved lamb, goat, chicken, turkey or beef. I got chicken.

While we were in the car ride to Amman, we saw this Bedouin man walking with his camel and he so kindly smiled and waved. The Bedouin culture is very hospitable. In most every shop we entered someone offered us sage tea and cookies.

Ahhh, the Dead Sea. It made me feel like a kid again. You got to rub mud all over you and then get in water that made you float! How cool?! We had the best time. After I got out, my skin felt so nice and smooth. I recommend a Dead Sea mud bath for sure!

This trip was very special. I appreciated being somewhere so old and full of culture. Jordan is definitely somewhere that I am going to revisit. I met so many great people.. including one very handsome man in Petra who gave me a cd of Arabic music (that I am listening to as I post this). Also, I got to go inside this woman's house and hold her 3 month old baby! Most everyone was sincere and inviting. I was very lucky to have such a safe experience. I found this poem about Petra that I absolutely love. It was written by John William Burgon in the mid 1800's...soon after Petra was rediscovered.

It seems no work of Man's creative hand,

by labour wrought as wavering fancy planned;

But from the rock as if by magic grown,

eternal, silent, beautiful, alone!

Not virgin-white like that old Doric shrine,

where erst Athena held her rites divine;

Not saintly-grey, like many a minster fane,

that crowns the hill and consecrates the plain;

But rose-red as if the blush of dawn,

that first beheld them were not yet withdrawn;

The hues of youth upon a brow of woe,

which Man deemed old two thousand years ago,

match me such marvel save in Eastern clime,

a rose-red city half as old as time.

I'm venturing to Jordan!

I am very excited for my journey to the middle east. While I am a bit nervous...I keep telling myself, "Everything will be ok as long as you get to ride a camel." Seriously though, I have been researching and familiarizing myself with Jordan customs and culture. I registered with the US State department for the STEP program. The Smart Travel Enrollment Program allows me to inform the US Embassy when and where I will be staying in Jordan. I also have the number and address of the US Embassy. I have taken precautions and am ready to bath in the Dead Sea, see the city carved out of stone; Petra and of course ride a camel!

For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.

I am just now getting around to posting pictures and blogging about Amsterdam but that doesnt mean it wasnt completely amazing...it just means I am behind on publicly displaying my life.

I know the title of this post may be a bit ironic if you know me at all.. I am always on the go and always planning the next adventure before the current one ends...however, this trip was relaxing and slow paced. very zen and mindful. calm.

We took a boat tour through the canals and it was by far the best way to see the city. I have not had a vacation that was this relaxing. ever. You know how when you go on vacation it always or usually has a little stress to go with it... or you are so worried about having a good time and doing as much as possible that when you get home you need a vacation from being on vacation? This trip wasnt like that at all. We didnt plan anything ahead of time (other than the hostel) and just calmly and pleasantly strolled around seeing what we could see. I really hope to make it back before I come home.

Lisa and I were talking about going back before we leave Ireland because we were so laid back about not worrying to do every tourist attraction or walk through every museum that there are some things that we would enjoy doing if we were lucky enough to go back. Namely, The Anne Frank House and The Heineken Factory. I think we will skip the Red Light District next time!

Blogging about it now makes me remember how awesome it was and sorta makes me want to book a plane ticket right now. hahaha but I have a few other places up my sleeve I wanna visit first. Not to freak anyone out but all I'm gonna say right now is I am about to get all Middle Eastern up in here. ;)

I miss the show Friends.

Since the first Post fiasco I have picked up TWO lovely packages. Thanks to my wonderful friends Jena, Andrea, and Jordi I have lots of goodies including mac n cheese and hotel soap! haha Jordi knows I love those cute hotel bars of soap! I miss my friends back home but I have really enjoyed making new ones. My roommate Lisa and I are going to the Netherlands this weekend..which should be CRAZY!! I am so lucky to have found such a cool roommate to live and travel with. I saw my sweet friend Sara Lee off last night..she is moving back to the States. She and I traveled through Europe and Ireland together.. and it is very sad to see her go. It's the story of my life.. making friends and then missing them. Speaking of friends I miss.. I miss my dear friend Tiffany. She has had a weird couple of weeks in DC with the earthquake and hurricane (which my loves Sofia and Andrea have had to deal with also because they work at an insurance company... but get that OT!) Good thing I am real good at Facebook and keeping in touch! Where would I be without it? So cheers to all my beautiful friends.. I love you all and miss you dearly.

Irish Post System

well.. so far my blogs have been upbeat, positive, and for the most part happy...but as well all know thats not always how life goes. --- I checked my mail today and received a note saying I had a package to pick up at the Post Collection point. Since my apartment building only has slot mail AND our buzzer is broken by the front door to call up we always have to walk to get packages. To the collection point and back is a 40 minute walk. 20 there. 20 back. I don't have to be to work until 6 so I thought, hey, why not? *I will update more about work later if it works out* To my dismay I arrive at the Post only for the man to say that it would not be available for pick up until the next working day, Monday. AHHHH!!! The whole reason I went today was so I wouldn't have to wait in anticipation all weekend. I was so excited that I did not read the fine print on the note that said my package would not be available until Monday. Why even put the notice in my box then? Why not just put it in on Monday?? ...you know I was gonna be all excited and junk that one of my lovely friends or family mailed me a care package!! sooo, I will be returning on Monday to collect what I hope are lovely goodies. Thank you to whomever sent me a parcel. I shall reveal the contents on Monday...the next working day.

Days like today...

Today was a Saturday to remember. I didn't run off a Swiss mountain and paraglide, jump out of a perfectly good airplane in Florida, or eat octopus in the Dominican Republic, but I did leisurely walk around Dublin with two really great friends. We met up and went to a couple of local bars that on Saturdays (during the day) are flea markets. We also walked to some charity shops (thrift stores) and did some browsing. On the walk I stopped on the street and bought a nectarine that was dangerously delicious....way too delicious to have only costed 40 cents and was probably the forbidden fruit everyone is always saying Eve ate. Note: When the fruit tastes better than normal you know you are enjoying yourself! That happened to me in France with Sara when we had a fruit spread of dried pineapple and peaches, strawberries, and blueberries.

We walked a good way down Camden Street stopping in probably 7 or 8 shops and ended up in Rathmines. That is where I stayed in 2008 when I was here studying. We found the college I stayed at and tried to take a picture (to capture the insane difference in my appearance 3 years later in the same spot) but the gate was closed. I will most assuredly get that picture before I leave.

Days like today are so special. I didn't have a skydiving adrenaline rush or spend half my bank account on a plane ticket but it was equally as enjoyable. I am so thankful for meeting such wonderful people to experience days like today with.

Cyber Granny

My wonderful Grandmother figured out how to use Skype and Facebook chat! I am so proud of her!! :) It was so neat to video chat with her..I hope that now she can set up a time so I can chat with my brothers when they are at her house. I miss them. we should have done this while I was in Florida too.. oh how the world evolves. I love it.

I need to go to the store to get some envelopes and crayons.. I feel like writing letters and coloring the pages. * readers test* >> if you want a hand written letter with crayon scribbles send me an email, message or whatever with your address. if I dont get any responses.. I will send them anyway, haha.

Europe Trip Success

I am back in Dublin and have had time to think about the trip and let it sink in that I traveled through 7 countries in Europe and saw more than I could have imagined. The official line up was: I flew into Belgium ( I didnt really see much there though) and then trained through Germany, Czech Republic, Switzerland (where I went paragliding!!!), France and Monaco, and then ended up in Spain. The total trip was 11 days...by far the biggest vacation I have ever taken. The two month trip to the DR is ranked a close second :) I absolutely love to travel and see the world. Sitting on the train listening to so many different languages, and meeting people who spoke 4, 5, 6 languages was unreal! Honestly the U.S. needs to invest in teaching our youth foreign languages.. we are so behind compared to Europe :(

I journaled everyday while I was gone.. I kept track of my travel expenses for future reference but I didnt even try to document food and bev.. hahaha it was a lot. worth every bit of it tho!

Switzerland was my favorite. The lady in the picture with me paragliding was my pilot and she and I had time to chat quite a bit and I really envy her life. She pilots in the summer and is a ski instructor in the winter..no kids and lives in the mountains in a 'hippie house'! soo the whole ski thing made me want to take a ski trip. Ashlee the girl who met up with Sara and I is planning to go to Norway in November to ski and I am seriously considering joining her...pending a job and money. I will call it a birthday present to myself! haha well this whole year is a present to myself.

The last night in Barcelona Ashlee and I went to a club...we were dancing and I had a surreal moment where I thought, 'These are my 20s....traveling through Europe..dancing in Spain!"

5 Country Eurail Pass

I cannot wait for the trip! Plans have been finalized and it seems like it is going to be a fabulous trip! Some highlights include but are not limited to: drinking Champagne on the beach in the South of France and paragliding in Switzerland!!! I will inform you of all said highlights upon my return.

Don't worry, I think there will be a guide attached.. this is just the best picture I found and its of just one person. Still, Its gonna be amazing!

I am trying to study the timetable of the trains but it is very difficult and is all in 24 hour clock. I almost have it down but I have never used military time and its frustrating a little. Everything from bus times to movie times are all in the 24 hour clock.. its high time I learn it.

I have more fun if I'm blonde OR brunette.

Dyed my hair today. I was nervous that it wasnt going to be even because I did it myself but I think it turned out great.

In other news, my Irish bank account is up and running.. whooo hoo! You have no idea what a pain it has been to use my Suntrust card and pay that $5 international fee EVERYTIME I use the ATM. glad that's over.

I would like to take this time to give a shout out to my Granny Suttles. She lost one of her very best friends yesterday. I cannot imagine what it has been like for her to go through life outliving everyone she loves. Props for old people and being tough. Death is a part of life but man it's no fun. I love you Granny! And Loy, I love you too.. yall are probably at the funeral home right now.. just know I am thinking about yall.. I always am!! Stay strong.

I am so thankful for my family and friends.. I love you all. If you are reading this...pretend I just gave you a big hug! xoxo

It's Friday and I'm up before noon...I need a job

Here is a pic of the back of my new hair cut. I asked the lady to shave my neck but she refused..? she said no, it wouldn't look good... I was real nervous cause she only let me look at the back for a second and was real bossy so I didn't push it. I still think it looks better than before ;)

Last night Sara, Ashlee, and I went to Ha'Penny Inn to see a comedy show. It was average comedy but we had a good time.. there was this very tall, dry humor, cute guy that went on in the first half that I really wanted to talk to, but by the time I decided I would buy him a drink -like a tip to the comedian, yea- he was gone.

Today is Canada Day.. there are quite a few Canadians from the Great White North here on the work program, so I will probably celebrate with them.. Also, on Monday I'm celebrating the 4th with the girls I am gonna move in with.. they are having people over to their place. I need a cute red shirt and a U.S. Flag...stat.

nothing feels as good as cutting your mullet off

So I got a hair cut today! yeeeeah, my hair was growing out in such a way that a mullet was forming. It's in a nice and tight rounded bob-like shape now. See, at first I thought I wanted the mullet *shout out to Tiffany..sometimes I should just listen* ... but then after seeing the back of my head in a picture taken on Saturday I like, whoa.. its time.

Speaking of Tiffany, I went to see the movie Bridesmaids! It was so funny and I haven't laughed that hard in a good long while. I totally visualized Tiffany getting engaged and me going to DC to help plan the luncheon, shower, bachelorette party and all that... and then meeting her real successful, skinny, best friend, colleague blah blah blah.. the next thing you know I'm stomping around Capital Hill Club throwing tiny sandwiches without the crust in the floor...screaming, "I hate politics anyway!" Its real crazy like that.... Just go see the movie ;)

So much to be Thankful for

I have met an amazing friend group through the USIT program. Sara and this girl from Australia named Ashlee, and I went to Galway on the Summer Solstice (Tuesday and Wednesday). It was the longest day of the year and luckily we were graced with beautiful sunshine. It was a little windy but gosh it felt amazing to sit by the bay, walk around town, and play in the park. Sara and I took a ferry on Wednesday to the Aran Islands.

This is a picture I found online so you could see how dramatic the cliffs were on the island. There is no barrier up like there was at the Cliffs of Moher.. I literally got on my hands and knees and peered over the edge! We sat there for about 30 minutes, had a picnic and a chat with the guard on duty. It was one of the most surreal moments I have ever had.

Thursday (yesterday) was the USIT social. They plan one every month so new and old members can meet each other and hang out. It was pretty perfect timing for me because I recently found out that I have until the 16th of July to find a new place to live. long story but trust me its for the best.. so I was late to the social because I went to see an apartment in the same building I am currently in (convenient move) but it did not seem that it would work out so on the walk to the pub I was a little bummed. I was prepared to forget about my living situation for the night and just have fun...cut loose if you will ;) As soon as I got there the organizer of the event came up to me and said there were two girls who have been in the program for about a month now and they are from FL...Tampa to be exact!! so we got to chatting and they said they were looking for a roommate because the girl they live with now is moving out July 10th. whoa, it was meant to be! We exchanged contact info and plan to hang out a couple times before then but it seems like its gonna work out just fine! :) Plus, I am excited to live with girls.. these guys are loud and messy.

I am one lucky lady and I so appreciate the good fortune that has come my way. Everyone back home has been extremely supportive (shout out to the best Grandmother in the WORLD!) and the people I have met here have really welcomed me. I have so much to be thankful for.

living situation

So I was considering moving out of the place I am in because the bathroom really really sucks. Ya know I have to turn on the boiler at least an hour before I shower so the water heats up and then the bathtub has a crack in it so it was flooded all last week and this. I asked my friend if she would help me move since I have acquired more stuff and such.. and I even made an appointment to see a place tomorrow. However, today after my moaning and complaining about the bathroom dilemma, the plumber called me back! He came and ripped up the rug and my roommate and I took turns mopping up the water. He said he would have to install a new shower. So it might be another week until it is completely fixed but at least there is progress being made. Also, my bank account is going to mail my debit card to this address and most of you already have this address and it would just be a huge hassle to change houses...so I'm gonna stick it out for another month and then evaluate then. I think all the roommates will be moving out at some point this summer so there will be a new rotation of people in here.. I hope they are cool and a bit tidier than the group I've got now. I just love this apartment and the location so I would hate to give it up.. Next month is going to be way better!! I say 'next' month cause we pay the rent on the 16th so it will be the start of another renting period. I will be glad to meet the landlord on Thursday....we can have a chat about things :) Stay positive, right?

Europe

so I just booked my flights to Brussels and Spain! I met this really cool girl who is from the States and is doing the same Work in Ireland Program as I. We have planned an 11 day trip from Belgium to Barcelona by train. I have booked my flight from Dublin to Brussels and from Barcelona to Dublin. ahhhhh its really happening... I'm gonna go on a Euro-trip! Its gonna be less like the movie cause there will be no drugs involved! (you are welcome Loy and Aunt Joy) the point is... I will be traveling through multiple countries throughout Europe and cannot fricken wait to see it all! ahhhhhhh! (imagine me dancing, jumping, and screaming in front of a full length mirror) oh its gonna be amazing. The plan is still in the works as far as what all we are going to see and do along the way.., We will be sleeping on the train at night as to maximize our time in different places.. wish me luck that it will be a 'good nights rest'. I am super pumped about this and will enjoy your feedback as it arrives.. I'll need a camera for this endeavor and will be scouring the town for cheap chargers.. unless my friend Jena sends me one before then! :) Love you Yena.

On the same note as traveling... my friends Sofia and Marco are planning a trip both to the west and east coast of the United States (its a little condescending to call it 'America' because there is is both North AND South America. The Americas both went through trials of hardship apon there 'discovery'. We should address our country in such a way that doesnt undermind Canada, Mexixo, or South America

reminders of home

Thought I would go shopping

and just meander around town..

I needed a warm coffee and as

I turned the corner there was

Sofia waiting for me :) I felt

like I was having coffee with her

.....sorta, lol. I love walking around

aimlessly and finding cool

places like this that remind me

of home. I found a thrift store and

got some cheap black pants and a

shirt..I really need to get a job instead

of shopping but at least it was

inexpensive! I am absolutely in love

with Dublin, but I absolutely love

reminders of home!!!

xoxo

such a great weekend

Friday was really cool.. I went to Trinity College and there was a cricket game going on.. the weather was the first real warm day of summer here so there were loads of people sitting around. After the match, two guys ran all the way around the field.. NAKED, no clothes no shoes. I mean these were real streakers.. they were fist pumping to the crowd and everyone was yelling for them.. I have never seen real streakers before well except for Will Ferrel in the movie Old School. It was definitely a sight! We went to a pub after to see some live music. Great night!

Saturday was the Forbidden Fruit music festival.. that was amazing.. it was from 2 to 11pm. We did a lot of walking but it was worth it! There was this dj called Beardyman.. he did some cool stuff and then two other bands played and we were up close center stage! I had to back out during the last show of the night and sit on the hillside cause the crowd started doin a bit of a mosh pit and i was afraid my foot would get trampled on.. but it was really something amazing to see. The lead singer got in this big huge bubble and jumped out into the crowd. It was epic.

I just lounged and watched movies on Sunday...at bit of a recovery.

Into the Wild....watch it.

I figured out how to watch movies online...without Netflix or any TV for almost a month (other than news and sports in hostels and pubs) I wanted desperately to watch a movie.. I met this guy in the hostel that told me to watch Into the Wild. I did and it was the kind of film that changes you. I have always had the urge to travel, move, experience...but this guy in the movie took it to a whole new level. Its scary really when you think about it.. The desire to travel and be free is so overwhelming. I love it here and I have only been here for almost a month but I find myself already looking into the future.. looking into the wild... where am I going to go? how am I going to get there? there are so many places and things I want to experience. ahhhh it feels so good. I am ready to experience living in Dublin and then after that....well I wish so badly I could read ahead and find out but its one page at a time folks. read carefully.. dont miss anything..there is a test at the end.

It's a good day

Hello hello hello... today is a good day. I woke up in quite the good mood. I go in today to do a 3 hour evaluation for the serving job at Hard Rock. I dont get paid for it cause its like the second part of the interview. If they like me and how I perform then they will let me know if I have the job. My foot is still on the fritz but I am tough so I will just push through. I bought a hair dryer and straightener so getting ready today has been easier. I dont have to be there until 4 so I am takin my sweet time.

My roommates are really cool.. tonight is this one girl Clara's birthday and she invited me to go out with them to celebrate. She put me on the 'list' to get into this club.. should be a good time. They are always cooking and hangin out in the living room.. there is someone always coming and going around here.

I will be happy to start working so I have a schedule of sorts..dont get me wrong, I love not having any certain thing to do.. I just chill and do pretty much what I want...but the income will be nice and hopefully I will make more friends at the job too.. aahh, its a good day :)

fooooood

I woke up this morning.. walked to the store and got some staples.. and when i went to cook, my stove is so old that it takes forever to heat up an eye, it took me and hour to make bacon, eggs, and toast. i stood there watching the bacon cook slowly...very slowly.. i had plenty of time to chop up some garlic and onions to add to my eggs.. it was almost like a meditation process.. I was very aware of what I was doing.. but I must say... it came together and i havent have a breakfast so lovely in quite some time! granted its 12:40 and i got up to start this almost 2 hours ago.. it was worth it. (if only i had some biscuits n gravy it would have been perfect)

my brain is a magnet

Ok call me crazy but I honestly believe my brain is a magnet.. if I think about something positive I want in my life.. it seemingly comes true! I went out to 'pound the pavement' and walk around handing out my CV and apply for jobs... the first place I went to was Hard Rock Cafe-Dublin and the host who took my CV was very polite but sorta hurried me off.. I left there saying over and over in my head that I would really like to work there.. the location is right in Temple Bar.. about a 8minute walk from my house, and it just seems like a cool place.. I mean come on, its the Hard Rock! well.. I hadnt even found another place to go yet.. just walkin along and my phone rang (about 15 minutes after I left there) IT WAS THE MANAGER of Hard Rock.. she asked me to come in tomorrow for an interview! aahhhh! So the lesson here today kids is this: use your brain wisely.. visualize what you want in your brain to actualize it! I mean so far my magnet brain has been doin all the work for me :)

my bed is made

I have settled in to my new flat quite nicely. I bought a duvet and cover. I am so lucky to have a double bed.. I can stretch, and a window so it doesnt feel like prison. That picture above my desk and mirror was left in here... I NEED POSTERS> my walls are very empty. I have been doing a lot of reading in my comfy bed.. so I need a new book. any suggestions? When I first got here I bought a book in Belfast, Northern Ireland, called The Spirit of the Titanic, which was where the Titanic was built. It was about this kid who worked on her and he fell to his death. His ghost got to go on the ship's maiden voyage.. and then the usual recap of the sinking.. but he got to save this little family.. it was very warming. I also read City of Fallen Angels. Its the fourth book of the Mortal Instruments series; vampire, werewolves, demons and such. It was very good but ended so that there could be a fifth! I think I need to read something with a little more substance this time. I guess I will meander through the tons of books stores in Dublin until I find something good.

grand...its all grand

went for a short jog tonight along the River Liffey. saw some strong, grunting row men in a canoe.. thought it would make me run faster...it didnt. it felt good to be out by the water though. I ironed my clothes for a very professional day tomorrow. whats harder than ironing a crease in your pants is ironing two creases out.. gosh, ironing is a complicated art I have yet to master. found out today that the clothes dryer does not work well.. I guess I will buy a rack tomorrow.. I'm about out of undies.. and those of you who know me know that I would rather go buy new ones than wash clothes but until I get a job I need to spend sparingly. I have been DYING to buy new clothes tho.. and shoes.. I want some high top sneakers.. real bad. ahhh the job will come and thus the money. its all grand..it really is.

Hope is the pillar that holds up the world.

I am hopeful. I'm hopeful that my new duvet is comfy because last night my lil ol t-shirt quilt just wasnt cuttin it. I am hopeful that when I move someone helps me because I have already accumulated quite a bit of stuff in my room. I am hopeful that tomorrow I can successfully register with the garda, acquire a PPS number (which will allow me to work with a tax return), and follow-up with an application to which I am hopeful to get the job. Finally, I am hopeful that I will get skinny living in this city because I WALK EVERYWHERE.

moving day

While I am very excited to have my own room and really chill roommates, I have found one slight problem with this apartment that I was unaware of.. there is NO hot water in the shower!! yea, I didnt even think to ask when I originally looked at the place. ah, well nothing more sobering than a freezing cold shower. Other than that.. the location is great, the people here are really friendly. The Spanish girl Ulga cooked lunch and shared with me.. the girl whos room I am taking is very nice.. she and I are gonna go out to watch the soccer match, Northern Ireland vs Republic of Ireland tonight.. it should be a great game to watch. HUGE rivals. I am happy to have brand new sheets on my bed in a room that I dont have to share with anyone! I dont know that I will stay here the entire time I am in Dublin but I am looking forward to some pretty fun months ahead :)

Obama in Ireland

Don't mess with Obama...

or Chuck Norris for that matter.

I was planning on going to hear the

United States President

give a speech on College Green

in Dublin but I have since

thought otherwise...not cause I am scared

he will call Chuck Norris

on me cause I would never stiff the

First Lady like that.. I'd hug

her tight! :) but because it is very

windy and it is packed already.

People are lining the streets but can't

go in until 2pm. Its 1:00pm

and he doesn't speak until 5! I think I will

sit in my warm hostel lobby

and watch it on Sky News.

Soggy Feet

That will be the last time I wear canvas shoes out.. ugh. I honestly dont mind the rain but I love my TOMS more. They will just have to be inside shoes only :/

Accommodation and Sports

Tonight is the last night I will be staying at Abigail's hostel!! yay! Tomorrow night I will be in a much cooler hostel for only one night.. grrr I should have been staying there this whole time.. but anyway the point is I move into my own bedroom in an apartment on Tuesday at noon! Thats 7am for anyone on the east coast of the U.S. so if you wanna help me move you will probably have to book a flight for tomorrow. I probably will have to call a taxi. While it is close enough to walk, I have so much stuff that it would be silly to try to maneuver it all down the streets of Dublin City Center with a big target on my back.

Yesterday I watched the rugby match Leinster, Ireland vs Northampton, UK and it was AMAZING! I havent ever watched a whole game of rugby before nor did I really care to but DANG it was good. Leinster made a come back of 18 points and showed those Brits how to play. The pub went crazy cause it was the Heineken Cup 2011. I am scared to say this....but I think its better than American Football. aahhhh dont kill me and I have been sticking to my American guns with most stuff but Rugby is where its at! and these Irish men really make it look good! They dont wear massive pads like in football so you can actually SEE them ;) plus the clock doesn't stop so its a much quicker game. Now I just have to get used to soccer.. which I refuse to call it by any other name. The only thing I have changed is I have to say 'American Football' when I am talking about regular football but I still say SOCCER. It does make me sad I havent watched any of the NBA Playoffs.. Go Bulls..Beat the Heat. And thats all today with AshleighBlogsSports.com

do-overs are necessary

Ireland is such a beautiful country. I particularly loved the Cliffs of Moher on the west coast. When I was here last time in 2008 Tiffany's mom asked me to throw a rock off a cliff for her. I did but I was on the east coast at the time and it was off a cliff but not directly into the ocean... ssoooooo I thought it best to have a do-over. I threw three rocks off the the Cliffs of Moher; one for Tiffany's mom, one for my mom, and one for O-ma. It was a pretty special moment.. I got the first two out and then I dont know what happened but I made a bad throw and it didnt go over the edge. I almost started to cry but then Whitney handed me a 'do-over' rock.. its like she knew I would need it.. It was a do-over's do-over of sorts.