A Doozy of an Update

***I added a People Directory of the people who I refer to in my blog…more coming soon!***

Sickness…

My throat is feeling much better. I have to say that this was a very odd virus, but I think my white blood cells have defeated the intrusive enemy and I am going to survive.

Upon my mom’s arrival back from her Virgin Island escape {or as she claimed work trip} I received an email from my mom. After giving my blog a {standing ovation} she told me she {fell off her chair with laughter}. She exclaimed {I do declare your pictures put me on the floor. Good grief, for you to show the world your tonsils, do you not have any modesty. But oh no, my daughter takes the liberty of exposing herself on her blog and sends it half way around the world for all to see.} Upon analyzing the photos she claims {you most likely have a virus and it will run its course.} She gave me the remedy of {PUSH THE FLUIDS and take some ibuprofen for your throat. Also gargle with salt water, warm water to dissolve the salt.} She ended the email with {Hugs and Kisses}. I truly do love my mom beyond words! She always makes me feel better, even if she is half way around the world!

School…

Classes have started! It is hard to believe that I have been in classes for two weeks already. I have a large paper due next Monday and have already started the research needed and have started to outline it. My entire grade is based on the papers that I write to each of my classes {units} and they are graded by an external examination board. So, I need to write strong papers so that I pass my classes! It is really intimidating to think about and to do, but I am willing to put work into and I expect to see positive results in return!

I have to admit that some of the classes that I am in seem to be very elementary. For instance, I have taken both Quantitative Research Methods and Qualitative Research Methods at Edgewood. I am taking a Research in Health and Social Care, which currently is covering research methods. So, I am not learning a ton of new information and the information is on a very basic level compared to what I have already studied. I realize that once I start my research project things will become more individual and I will learn much more. Yet, it is still hard to sit in this class when you know everything that is being covered. I am however enjoying learning things from a new perspective! For instance, I am taking Supporting Significant Life Events and we are looking at how to support someone through adolecense. I have learned through high school health general information about life stages, but this is geared specifically for helping them through this point of time in terms of social work. It is really interesting all the variables that play into someone’s adolescent experience. It makes me wonder how anyone can live through it!

Housing…

My roommate from the U.S. arrived a week ago. Her name is Abbey and she is from Kansas. She goes to school however in Iowa! So she is a complete Midwest girl herself. It has been nice to have someone to joke around with and make light of some of the cultural experiences we have been going through.

Events…

On Thursday (9.17) Abbey and I went to a Celieh {a party with Irish music and dancing} and we learned how to Irish dance. I actually volunteered to be one of six people to introduce a new dance {note: this is in front of 200 people}. It was a ton of fun. After a couple of dances we met up with Niamh and Pj for a co-workers birthday party at Queen’s student union! It was a fun time of relaxing, having a couple of drinks and talking!

On Saturday (9.19) tagged along with Nuela to one of her friend’s birthday parties! It was a crack {really good time}. They had balloons with lights in them, which I found very fascinating! I was impressed!

On Sunday (9.20) I went to see Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs with Abbey and then we went to a Chinese buffet. So, this movie is 3D and supposed to be decent for all ages. I was disturbed by this movie! There were a couple of things, but one of the most disturbing is when huge gummy bears come to life and then a monkey attacks and kills them. He savagely tears the heart out of the gummy bear, rips the hair off of them and then they come back to life!

I also walked 5 feet away from Natalie Portman, who was right outside of my flat! I knew she had been in Belfast shooting a movie, but had no idea that I would be casually walking down my street and be walking right by her. She is very petit. Lovely girl.