What Wonderful Friends...

I have some wonderful friends, who mean so much to me! My birthday started was welcomed by a paper which I worked on until three in the morning. It was filled with a long and tiresome day at work. It ended with a "surprise" party from my friends! The "surprise" was not so much of a surprise because they needed to borrow my pan to bake the amazing from scratch cupcakes that Audrey made! I received beautiful flowers (this is only the second time anyone has given me fresh flowers). I was also given the wonderful gift of a coupon to use when I am Paris and it is good for an entrance to a museum of my choice and my ticket to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower! I have been truly blessed with friends who I can laugh with, joke with and even cry with! I truly love you girls!!! Please enjoy my birthday flowers:

Birthday Bash...

Many of my friends, myself included, have birthday's in April...so we did a BIG Birthday Bash! Here are some of the photos I was able to edit!

Goals for Growth in Northern Ireland

I have started to think of some of the goals I would like to accomplish during my study abroad experience in Northern Ireland. Some of them are personal, some of them are academia based and some of them are just for fun! Here is the start of my list...
1. I want to do something that I never thought I would do! Something that isn't dangerous or illegal, but something that I thought I wouldn't ever do. What? you may ask! I won't know until the opportunity presents itself!
2. I want to gain clarity into what I want to do with the rest of my life. I know that I would like to work in the field of international education, yet I have no idea what the next step for me is. I would be nice to gain some insight unto this issue.
3. I want to make every single day an adventure. I want to get out and see the city of Belfast everyday! Either take a walk to a park or find a new coffee shop. I want to have a story to tell!
4. I want to visit at least 5 countries!

This is it right now, but I plan on coming up with a couple more! Super Excited!!!

Fun Edits

A Weekend of Fun with Audrey and Niamh!

This weekend I took two of my exchange student friends to my moms home and had a wonderful weekend! Audrey (France) and Niamh (Northern Ireland) are two friends who I will be spending a good deal of time with next fall. On Saturday we had a night in talking with my mom and grandma. Audrey also went to Wal-Mart for the first time ever on Friday! She was shocked with the size (It was a super Wal-Mart). On Saturday Audrey made a a wonderful breakfast of french toast! It was seriously the best french toast I have EVER had, Food Network worthy. Later that morning my mom, Audrey, Niamh and I headed out to an Amish community in Cashton, WI. We were able to go into the little shops in the front of their homes and try many of the sweet treats like homemade donuts and turtles. We also stopped at a cheese factory where we were able to eat from fresh cheese curds (Audrey and Niamh's first time!). They were the best curds I have ever had, they were super squeaky! They saw the Mississippi River for the first time and saw the largest 6 pack in the whole world. Oh, and they ate at Applebees for the first time as well as I CULVERISED them! Did I mention they saw a lock and damn and went to Minnesota! No wonder why I was so tired this morning...we did a lot of stuff!

Pictures Coming Soon...

OJ and Applesauce

Trying to keep my eyes open and quite the little annoyance of a hungry tummy I turn toward a glass of OJ and some applesauce. Weird, I know, yet so delightful. I think it is me wishing in the summer and all the light refreshing delights it holds. Need to get back to work. Dreaming about this summer does not seem like the best plan!

I Am Your Peer Leader!

This past fall I was asked to be a Peer Leader for a forum of freshman. The forum is meant to guide them through their first semester of school and to give them insight into topical issues. My forum looked at global issues and perspectives. I met Kelsey on her very first day at Edgewood! She is now one of my best friends. It was Kelsey who got me to sign up for alternative break! Here are some photos from our time in Kentucky!

Spring Break in Kentucky

I spent my spring break in David, Kentucky volunteering at an alternative school. It was a week of growth and a week of fun.


A friend...thinking...

Ryan and Stephanie had a wheel barrow race while we moved a tree that had fallen down...

Ryan won in the end because Stephanie hit a rock...

One of my besties, Kelsey...

Cartwheels...

More Cartwheels...

Kelsey and I

The trees have started to bloom...spring is on its way...

Belfast or Bust...Officially!

I think this photo story board says it all...but for clarification...I was officially accepted to study abroad at Belfast Metropolitian College in Belfast, Nothern Ireland!

Whispers of Life...

I have been feeling very absent from a lot in the last couple of weeks and months. I think some of reasons for these feelings are because of being lost in thought. I have had a lot to think about and many of those thoughts just can't be expressed. They are like the light clouds that don't actually seem like cloud, but seem like whispers in the sky. The other night it seems like some of those whispers finally drifted away, yet I still wonder when they will come back. If they will come back. Life is strange like that, I guess. Some of the whispers are from my past and dealing with hurt and anger for the things that have happened in my life. Other whispers are thoughts and questions that I have tried to hide, yet they have surfaced. Many whispers are regaurding my future and the dreams that yet to materialize.

Life is funny sometimes...as I say this, I smile flickers on my face. It is funny at times.