parking lot philosophy

Pictures of the Bahama's will be up soon!

2012-01-08T16:17:00.000-08:00

Back from the land of sun and sea and sand! wonderful way to bring in 2012! Happy Junkanoo to those of you who know what that is! (pictures will follow)

On another topic entirely, I've recently been getting very serious about signing up to become a certified yoga instructor... I've been looking at Evolve, my studio in Southern maryland but I am really open to suggestions. Does anyone have any programs they would like to promote or recommend?

lovely quote

2011-12-31T18:33:00.001-08:00

“Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect. - Chief Seattle”

2011 was a fantastic year!

2011-12-30T15:23:00.000-08:00

Alright, I am officially the worst blogger on the planet, but I thought I would write up some thoughts to accompany the end of the year!
This year has been wonderful for me, and I am really truly grateful to the people who made it that way. I kicked the year off by flying to England and spending a semester in Oxford, where I traveled, learned a lot about poetry and gardening, and ate lots of scones with clotted cream. I spent St. Patty's day in Ireland with close friends, and ran my first half marathon in Scotland. Eventually my academic year abroad came to a close and I came home to work briefly at a local greenhouse, and then spent the summer working on an organic farm, which was quite an experience! Craig and I celebrated our two year anniversary at the seaside with shopping, tanning, pizza, and sangria. Then back to the grind with this past fall semester, and I joined a varsity cross country team. Running and studying took up most of my time and I also held a job as an RA, so I was very occupied, but managed to still keep my grades up- thank god! I ran my second half marathon in the fall, and also became very involved with yoga at a local studio. I had the most glorious 21st birthday which involved a couples massage, sushi, christmas lights, and a wine tasting with my lovely boyfriend. And then the holiday season brought along lots of guests and activities as well as a much needed break from school! I celebrated with both sides of the family, and managed to smuggle the boy up to NJ to hang out with me for a bit. Now I am all set to cruise off to the Bahama's tomorrow, traveling again to bring in the new year! Really I couldn't have asked for a more blessed year. Time seems to have passed very quickly, and I'm hoping this coming semester flies by as well, as I am feeling more ready than ever to be finished with my undergraduate degree- I just want to cross it off my list so I can move on (i'm so nervous something will go terribly wrong at the last minute and I won't be able to graduate for some reason)!! Anyway for now Im just going to concentrate on laying on the beach and attempting to knit some socks with the organic wool I got for Christmas!

Hopes for 2012:
- Finish my Undergraduate Degree!!
- Successfully begin my masters program
- Become a certified Yoga instructor (ahh this is such a big hope of mine, but it's so intimidating!)
- Run a full marathon
- Go sailing at least once
- Eat healthfully

What are your 2012 resolutions? How did you get through your last semester of your senior year of college?

HAPPY NEW YEAR LOVES!!

Schools out for Summer!

2011-06-23T14:53:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone I just finished 12 credits in 6 weeks! Thats what I'm talking about!
Now I will have more time to concentrate on:
Running
The Farm
Other Stuff
Reading

Check out my Intro Digital Website here

Summer Reading List

2011-06-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

Even though yesterday was officially the first day of summer (hurrah summer solstice), Friday marks my first day off of Summer classes. I need to start refining my summer reading list...

The History of Love- Nicole Krauss

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn- Betty Smith

Other Suggestions?

Languages Quote

2011-06-22T10:03:00.001-07:00

” English is for business,
Spanish is for working,
Italian is for fighting
and French is for lovemaking”

Kiddos at the farm

2011-06-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

Bethany Beach!

2011-06-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

Ross was celebrating his 23rd birthday and Craig and I were celebrating our 2 year anni!

Summery Drinks

2011-05-31T18:39:00.000-07:00

I found this drink called Cinque Terre and now I really want to try making it, it sounds so cool and refreshing.

5 medium lemon verbena sprigs, 3 for garnish
1 strip of orange zest
1 strip of lemon zest
ice
2 onces blanco vermouth
2 ounces chilled prosecco
1/4 ounce green chartreuse

In a collins glass, lightly muddle the 5 lemon verbena sprigs with the orange and lemon zests. Add ice and the vermouth and prosecco and stir well. Top with the Chartreuse and garnish with the remaining verbena sprig and leaves.

mmmm...

I found the recipe here:
http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/cinque-terre-cocktails-2010

Bragging Rights

2011-05-31T18:09:00.001-07:00

Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty

May 31, 2011

Laura G. Hausheer

501 South Hamers Lane

Rockville, MD 20850

Dear Laura:

I am pleased to inform you that you have been designated a Junior St. Mary's Scholar. The distinction is attained by individuals with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.50 or better, who have earned at least 32 semester-hours taken for a letter grade at St. Mary’s College, and is determined once a year at the end of the spring semester. We are proud to have you in this intellectual community.

I am sure that your academic accomplishments will contribute to your success in future endeavors.

With best wishes,

Larry E. Vote

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty

Pretend Summer Shopping

2011-05-31T18:04:00.000-07:00

Here are some things I would buy if I were not a starving artist...

New Oil Paints... swoon.

A polaroid camera and film from The Impossible Project!

A morse code necklace...I like "lover" and "peace"

And these fabulous summer finds from Anthro.

The perfect shirt for student teaching days!

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=20807897&catId=SHOPSALE-TOPS&pushId=SHOPSALE-TOPS&popId=SHOPSALE&navAction=top&navCount=1254&color=001&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&templateType=E

t-shirt

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=20818068&catId=SHOPSALE-TOPS&pushId=SHOPSALE-TOPS&popId=SHOPSALE&navAction=top&navCount=1392&sortProperties=price&color=040&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&templateType=E&tabStyle=Info

pondering getting this dress to celebrate my and craig's 2 year anni in a couple weeks...

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=S19847391&catId=SHOPSALE-DRESSES&pushId=SHOPSALE-DRESSES&popId=SHOPSALE&navAction=top&navCount=276&color=041&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&templateType=E&tabStyle=Info

Tie-die for the win!
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=20417598&catId=SHOPSALE-TOPS&pushId=SHOPSALE-TOPS&popId=SHOPSALE&navAction=top&navCount=42&color=049&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&templateType=E

Broccoli and Mushroom Quisotto

2011-05-31T16:16:00.000-07:00

Similar to a risotto but with quinoa, my miracle grain, this was dinner last night and lunch today!

2 c. steamed broccoli
1 chopped onion
1 c. sliced button mushrooms
2 cloves of crushed garlic
a bit of fresh rosemary
Olive oil
1/8 c. Parmesan Cheese
1 c. Quinoa

First I steamed the broccoli in salt water, then I saved the water the broccoli was steamed in and used it to cook the quinoa. I really do think that this helped give the quinoa a more robust flavor. Then in a pan I combined the chopped broccoli, onion, garlic, and rosemary with a bit of olive oil in a pan on the stove. I simmered until the mushrooms were soft and the onion was cooked, about ten minutes. Then I combined the vegetable mix with the quinoa. (I didn't have any cheese to stir in but I wish I did... need to work on that.) Anyways this was one of the best dinner's I've ever made for myself, it was filling and delicious, and mildly reminiscent of my time in Italia.

Broccoli Friattas

2011-05-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

I'm on a recipe roll here!
I made these adorable little frittatas (frittatas= mini quiche) yesterday and with minimum prep time they came out really well! I used a lot of the eggs craig bought me at the farmers market, and the broccoli and onions came from the farm of course!
8 eggs
1 c. of chopped steamed broccoli
1/3 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. cheese (I used mozzarella but any kind of cheddar would work really well)
Olive Oil

Oil a muffin pan with the olive oil and preheat the oven to 350'. Next whisk the eggs together until combined. Add the chopped broccoli and onions to the egg mixture and stir thoroughly. Pour the egg mixture into the muffin pans, and top with shredded cheese. Cook for ten-15 minutes.

I bagged mine and put them in the fridge so I can grab a bag for breakfast on my way to my 8am class.

Beet Summer Salad

2011-05-31T04:51:00.000-07:00

The farm has been giving me lots of beets recently, they are beautiful candy striped beets and after looking through some recipe's for different kinds of beet summer salads, I devised my own. All of the veggies used in this recipe are in season, mine came entirely from the organic farm I'm working on this summer.

15 raw beets

8 medium carrots

2 radishes

3 small spring onions

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Balsamic Vinegar

Sesame Seeds

Peel the carrots and beets. Shred the beets, carrots, and radishes into a large bowl. Chop the spring onions (I used the stems as well as the heads) and add to the bowl with the other vegetables. Coat with olive oil and add 3tbs. vinegar. You can use salt and pepper to taste, (I did this with one batch but not the others and to be honest its hard to tell the difference). When you are ready to eat, top with a handful of sesame seeds. TA-DA!

I've been storing the salad in my fridge in glass mason jars, its perfect to snack on for lunch with fresh bread. (mom you should try this you would like it!)

Letters

2011-05-30T10:19:00.000-07:00

dear boyfriend, you are always helping me learn new things, like how to brush my teeth the right way, how to check the tire pressure on my truck, how to not break my computer. Thank you for always being willing to teach me new things. dear new bakilla five finger running shoes, I can't wait to meet you and start zooming my feet around in you. You might not increase my speed or endurance, but you will increase my coolness factor. Dear strawberries from the farmers market, you were yummy and delicious. You taste so much better than the kind that have been sitting in the grocery store for days. Please telepathically communicate with the strawberries at the farm and tell them to get their butts growing!

Happy Memorial Day!

Farmers Market

2011-05-29T12:26:00.000-07:00

Slack Winery

2011-05-29T12:04:00.000-07:00

SMCM Campus Farm

2011-05-19T10:22:00.001-07:00

Down the Shore

2011-05-17T12:53:00.001-07:00

Easter Sunday 2011

2011-05-17T12:23:00.000-07:00

New Mailing Address

2011-05-17T10:47:00.000-07:00

here is my updated mailing address now that I am back in the states:

Laura Hausheer

Box 2268

E. Fisher Road

St. Mary's City, Maryland, 20686

My email has stayed the same but if for some reason you guys don't have it:

Lghausheer@smcm.edu

laurahausheer@gmail.com

I also have a new cell number, there is a Facebook note about it, but if you don't have a Facebook and would like the number, email me as I am hesitant to post it on a public blog site. probably just paranoid.

anyways send me lots of mail and gluten-free chocolate chip cookies!

Lots of Love from Maryland.

Tombula and Blurb Book!

2011-05-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

At the end of our semester at Oxford we had a TOMBULA! which was basically like a raffle. I think a good time was had by all with champagne, chocolate, and prizes! The tombula was a combined event as we were also celebrating the release of our publication Drawing In Museums- yes my art is really published in a book! That you can buy right here- http://www.blurb.com/my/book/detail/2107810

Pretty sweet conclusion to a fantastic semester. <3

im coming home

2011-04-15T00:39:00.000-07:00

Things to do when I get home:

1. get a freakin hair cut!
2. teach Happy how to jog with me....
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-369-370--11951-0,00.html
3. visit the eye doctor, and a nutritionist
4. hold a cream tea for family
5. get a job
6. register for summer classes

half marathon photos

2011-04-13T05:15:00.001-07:00

Hiking up King Arthurs Seat and Traipsing around Edinburgh

2011-04-13T03:49:00.000-07:00

Edinburgh Scotland and the Highlands

2011-04-13T02:20:00.000-07:00

Edinburgh Half Marathon

2011-04-07T14:21:00.000-07:00

Look! my number! I am leaving tomorrow to spend the weekend in Edinburgh, running 13.1 miles in my first half-marathon. I am running for Friends of the Earth Scotland, an environmentalist charity.

Check out their webpage here:
http://www.foe-scotland.org.uk/

After this race I will probably have to retire my beloved sneaks which a) have my name embroidered on them b) were designed by me! c) now have holes in them since I've run over 250 miles in them! I have been training for this race for the last 12 weeks (LONG TIME) and am so ready! I may swear at the preparation sometimes, its definitely part of the fascination of running. It feels really good to go to lunch and say to craig "i ran 12 miles this morning." Training for this has opened my eyes to bigger opportunities like potentially joining the Cross Country team next year and running a full marathon sometime this summer.
Even though i have prepared and feel ready, im sure i won't be standing at the starting line thinking "okay only 13 more miles to go", it will definitely still be difficult. Kiri and I are watching "Spirit of the Marathon" to prepare. Its a cool documentary on running the Chicago marathon- definitely check it out.

Anyways, wish me luck! I'll be sure to post lots of pictures of Scotland when i get back- It will be my first time visiting!

Kenilworth Castle and Stratford-Upon- Avon

2011-04-06T15:29:00.000-07:00

DC - June

2011-04-05T14:22:00.001-07:00

This race looks ah-mah-zing!

http://www.rebelrace.com/event.php?id=22

Life update!

2011-03-31T15:33:00.000-07:00

Today I registered for classes!
This Fall I will be taking:

Methods of Literature
Postcolonial Literature
Lifespan Development
Drawing Studio
Intermediate Yoga
and working on my S(aint) M(ary's) P(roject)

It feels crazy but great to have registered for my senior year courses! My SMP proposal is not out of the water yet and I have been in touch with the English department pruning it to their desires everyday. It will, with any luck, be passed soon. The art department has already passed their half.

As far as summer classes go at SMCM I am registered for:
Introduction to Digital Media
Dreams and Cinema
Exceptionality (its an Ed. course)

I also hope to take the following online classes at AACC:
Creative Writing
Introduction to Graphic Design
And some course that would fulfill my cultural perspectives requirement (a language or something)

whoohoo! I will be exhaling for years if this schedule works out!

<3

Bath

2011-03-31T01:52:00.000-07:00

Bath! Yesterday we went to Bath... the day started off cloudy but ended up being pretty nice. Craig and i went and got tea and hot chocolate and explored the town in the rainy morning and then headed over to the bathhouses. We got little audio guides on which we could listen to Bill Bryson(!) and then spent a long time just sitting beside the water in the sunshine. Later we shared a glass of water from the natural hot spring which feeds the baths, which tasted just like the water from Mountain View, full of sulphur and copper. mmmm.

Tuesday, March 29

2011-03-29T08:15:00.000-07:00

The photographs below are of a walk craig and I went on the other day... a bride, a dog, a bakery, magnolias, one of my favorite clothing stores: Toast. In other news, I went to yoga yesterday morning and since then have been feeling much healthier. I really do love yoga. Yoga and hydration are like my life mantras. that and smiling at babies. I have tried to make an effort lately to smile on the random babies I pass in their prams on the street. Anyways. Life has been good to me recently, Craig is getting over his intensive cold/the flu, and I have miraculously not contracted it (I accredit mom's amazing immune system she must have genetically passed down to me somehow), the Art half of my SMP got passed for next year, my schedule for this summer and next year is materializing (registration is the 31, don't let me forget!), spring is in the air, and my time in Oxford is coming to a close. I'm ready to say goodbye, not in a bad way, but more of in a peaceful way. I did what I came here to do. Im ready to leave Europe, for a little while at least, and go onto other things. I can always come back. But for now I'm looking forward to...in no particular order... writing my children's book, working at a farm, running a full marathon, graduating with my bachelors degree, doing yoga even more regularly, seeing family and friends, having a job and a source of income, moving into my LQ "apartment" at SMCM, adopting a dog or a parrot, getting tan, getting a haircut, running on the cross country team, and getting a car. Not to say all of these things are actually going to happen, but hey i can dream.

Things to remember:

2011-03-27T13:46:00.000-07:00

1. courses that could be useful for my SMP...
http://www.asuen.com/workshops/?p=w.pb

2. my future (dream) dog... don't be offended Happy you are still my number one cuddlebug.
http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/19036482

2.5. this magazine would of course accompany my little apartment dog... https://www.moderndogmagazine.com/cart/checkout

3. I'm training for this race: http://www.edinburgh-half.co.uk/
in two weeks! whooohoo! After that... who knows? Im thinking of signing up for our varsity cross country team next year, but i guess we will first see how this race feels.

4. This summer- 3 classes at SMCM 3 classes online with AACC and a job or two lifeguarding with the short term goal of getting a car and an iphone and the long term goal of graduating this year!

The Colleges of Oxford

2011-03-27T06:27:00.000-07:00

As part of our integral, all of us in the program are participating in "home"-field-trips. This past Friday Craig and I wandered around with a group of CMRS students and Dr. Philpott touring the various colleges of Oxford and learning a bit about their histories. Craig was running a high temperature at the time, which explains his expressions in these pictures- it does not explain his interesting northface/preppy sweater look... not sure what was up with that, haha. <3

inspiration

2011-03-23T16:12:00.001-07:00

Kind of loving this. (no its not me)

Hampton Court Palace

2011-03-23T16:07:00.000-07:00

Today I visited Hampton Court Palace and its famous gardens: The Versailles of England. The palace was elaborate and went on and on forever. Today was sunny and warm, short sleeves weather, and even with the allure of the palace, all I wanted to do was spread out a piknic blanket and lay in the sun. However, Im an Oxford student, which means i did not get to just lay in the gardens and soak in the sun, but rather had to go through the tedium of touring all of the hundreds of rooms of the palace. Which mind you, was not the end of the world. The home of King Henry VIII and his six wives, the palace contained beautiful paintings, tapestries, lavish furniture, a chapel, various courtyards, huge kitchens, and "much more". haha. no seriously it was pretty cool though.

The gardens were fantastic. Fields upon fields of manicured daffodils and hyacinths. It was easter in floral form. There were also several topiaries and trees and manicured lawns which we could walk on and lie out on; and fountains complete with white swans and koi fish. I can say with certainty these were the most elaborate gardens I have ever seen in my life (200 acres of them i believe!)

Craig wasn't feeling well so he stayed home and slept all day. Literally all day. Then I came home and made some delicious "get well soon" dinner for him (aka: chicken soup). haha. He is currently drugged up with some ibuprofin and feeling better. I hope I don't get sick, it sounds awful! Also I hope he gets better soon so he can get out and enjoy this sunny warm weather!

Tomorrow is a twelve mile run for Kiri and I. sheish man. Im feeling out of shape this week from taking a day off in Ireland, but I know this run tomorrow will whip off those pounds the guiness and cookies put on. Our half marathon is in three weeks! We are also thinking of signing up to run the Ocean city marathon when we return home to the states in April: it would be a great race, and give me an excuse to spend a well earned vacation with Craig on the beach (I know it seems like I've just been on one long vacation with Craig this whole academic year, but really we have been working very hard. My classes abroad in both Italy and England have been more challenging and thus more rewarding than most of the classes home on campus.) But anyways, we are keeping it in mind at least. We'll see how tomorrow goes! <3

claddagh ring from Ireland!

2011-03-22T03:45:00.000-07:00

The Claddagh Story

"SYLLABICATION: clad·dagh. PRONUNCIATION: klä'də X. NOUN: A ring with a raised design of two hands clasping a crowned heart, usually given as a token of love or friendship. ETYMOLOGY: After Claddagh, a fishing village and suburb of Galway." The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition.

History

An original symbol of the Galway town of Claddagh, Ireland, (pronounced “cla” as in “class” and “ddagh” pronounced “da” as in “dad”) was first fashioned into the traditional ring back in the 17th Century during the reign of Mary II.

Legend has it that an Irish young man, Richard Joyce, bound for the West Indian slave plantations - no doubt the Irish Caribbean island of Montserrat - was kidnapped himself in rough seas by a band of Mediterranean pirates and sold to a Moorish goldsmith who over the many long years of his exile helped him perfect the skills of a master craftsman.

When in 1689 King William III negotiated the return of the slaves, Joyce returned to Galway - despite, it said, the Moor's offer of the daughter's hand in marriage and a princely dowry of half of all his wealth.

Back in Ireland a young women had never stopped faithful waiting for her true love to return. Upon which time when he presented her with the now famous Royal Claddagh gold ring - a symbol of their enduring love. Two hands to represent their friendship, the crown to signify their loyalty and lasting fidelity, and the sign of the heart to symbolise their eternal love for each other.

They soon married, never to be separated again.

Ireland

2011-03-21T11:09:00.000-07:00

Why have i not scrap-booked all my photos yet? I should really get on that.

I mean blogging is nice but really... nothing compared to having that tangible album with big pictures, messy captions, and the actual ticket stubs and such.

Alas!

For the first time in twenty years I spent St. Patricks day away from my super Irish family, and spent it instead, with good friends in Ireland. Bryan and Paige are long time friends of Craig and I, and even though we only see them a handful of times each year, the times we spend together are always full of laughter. This semester they are studying abroad attending UCC in Cork, Ireland. They have an apartment in Cork with a waterfront view of the River Lee, which reminded me of our Tames back in Oxford. Anyways their living situation is much cooler than Craig and I's (we're in a basic boarding school layout), they have a full apartment with a kitchen, living room area, bedroom, bathroom, and guest room! Its very grown-up and impressive!

Craig and I stayed in the spare bedroom, which believe us was one million times better than any hostel we've ever been at. Our flight to Cork Airport was literally THE smoothest traveling we have ever done. We checked in online, only had carry on bags, and literally walked through the airport onto the plane. note to self: LOVE Aer Lingus.

London Gatwick Airport I think.

Craig putting my bag in the locker compartment. Its so nice traveling with someone tall who can reach up there! I never can.

Ireland from the plane above! I love the green patches.

We arrived in Cork airport and took the quick bus to the city center where we met up with Bryan and Paige, who had gotten up early to walk out and meet us. They are so sweet.

Cork, and Ireland in general, seemed to be filled with colorful buildings. They reminded me of a hybrid between the architecture of Amsterdam and the colors of Italy's Cinque Terre. They made me happy, even with grey skies.

The St. Patricks Day Parade in Cork! "Te teme ah de parade is happiness!" the announcer was funny and kept playing very sleepy-time lullaby music and announcing the theme of the parade- which this year was happiness. This made me wonder what the theme of the parade had been other years... sadness? famine? haha. Anyways. Cork more is a FAMILY city apparently!? Ive never seen so many children in all my traveling, or at home? It was actually really adorable, there were a ton of babies everywhere, tucked into prams, on peoples shoulders, everywhere. Parents even let their children stand on top of telephone booths, which worried me and Paige, but didn't seem to phase anyone else. I think its probably the strong Irish Catholic religion that results in so many children and such large families, but maybe Im completely wrong. Idk. Whatever it was, Cork was filled with colors and children, and I loved it.

Bryan and Paige took us to their favorite hot chocolate place in town after the parade, where we ordered some drinks. We ended up going to this cafe twice during our trip, so the first time I ordered a dark chocolate with two shots of espresso, and the second time, a bitter dark chocolate. Each time you order, your drink comes with a little cup of chocolate chips which are super delish. The picture I took here isnt great but I had to include it because the drink was so fantastical. I have to say I think that the Irish are better at chocolate than the English are (and weirdly also better at cheese? Dublin cheese was to die for, although I do love red liester cheese from england).

This is all of us in the elevator outside B+P's apartment.

We walked to the produce market and bought fresh veggies to save money from going out everyday for food. Craig and I threw together our favorite quinoa dish that I'm pretty sure his mom invented. mmm... we could seriously live off this stuff. But we didn't have to because Bryan and Paige kept taking us to wonderful restaurants and cafe's and bars around town where I completely gained back any weight I had lost with my marathon training.

My two favorite meals from the trip:

Rocket salad with caramelized apples, goat cheese, beetroot, olives, and black balsamic vinegar

Chocolate Chip pancakes in the shape of Shamrocks (we tried) with Irish butter and Syrup poured all over!

yeah neither are pictured here so don't get confused.

Cork!

Our lovely hosts!

Brendan and Ashley came all the way from the US to join us on our adventures! They are going on to tour Galway and the shores of Ireland on the "paddywagon" tours, which I think is a hilarious name for a tour group. Anyways, Brendan and Ashley were both friends of Craig's back in high school and even though I have heard lots about them and feel like I know them, this was one of the first times we really got to bond in person, which was super lovely.

Blarney Castle! In the rain it was a bit dreary, but kissing the Blarney stone was not about to be skipped.

Smooches! Yes i know i look rather skeptical, if you know me you probably know i don't like heights, let alone leaning over an opening in the ground with some strange man holding my shirt to keep me from falling out of the castle. haha.

The grounds of Blarney Castle are beautiful and include a large mansion, a sprawling lake, and an arboretum with some really interesting looking trees. The boys, being boys, climbed into a tree and posed for boy-band pictures. Aren't they just the cutest things? haha

Back in Cork with some sunshine!

On Sunday we headed out to Cobh and FOTA on a local train. The train was really clean, and small, only three cars. The ride through the countryside was gorgeous and I couldnt capture the beauty on film to do it justice. The weather couldnt have been better, sunny and warm enough for short sleeves!

Arrival in Cobh, and heading out to explore the little shore town!

I love all the colorful doors and buildings here, I really couldnt get over it. They were so pretty!

Tell me this color yellow doesnt remind you of the walls of (my old room/ the office) in NJ. ^

We wandered upon a cathedral just as a well attended morning mass was getting out (prettiest church bells ive ever heard in my life). The boys took photos of the alter and the stained glass windows, but I found a fat friendly cat among the pews, Lilly, who apparently attends all the services for some reason (according to Ashley who overheard some old lady talking about it!) Lilly was so cute, I want a cat just like that when I have an apartment.

We walked down on the rocky shore during the low tide and I collected bits of glass and pottery washed in by the sea. I have never seen so much sea glass at one beach as I did in here. I suppose its all the bottles of alcohol?

Next we headed to FOTA a wildlife island where the animals arent kept in cages (except the cheetah) but rather just kind of wander around, and are separated by little streams of water? which do little to keep the kangaroos and lemurs where they are "supposed" to be. The highlight of our day was watching a little baby kangaroo jump into its mommy's pouch! and also petting a very friendly Kangaroo, who reminded me a bit of Happy back at home, sitting in the sun, sleeping, and not really caring too much about who was giving it pets and scratches. miss you happy!

I don't have a zoom lens, so these pictures are all taken at this distance from the animals!

Doesnt this giraffe look so awkward? love him.

One of the street food vendors was selling flax-seed gluten-free cookies! I had two: one ginger, one chocolate.

Interesting graffiti on one of the garbage cans.

Sunrise in Cork at the bus station before we leave to fly home (to Oxford). :(

Things I learned from Bryan and Paige this weekend:

1. JamiGingies- Jamison, Ginger Ale, and limes. Irish whiskey! No other whisky is worth drinking!

2. The Script has a new album out: "Science and Faith" For the First Time- its amazing and I need to go buy a C.D.

3. Grey's Anatomy might be Craig and I's next nighttime TV show (sorry Chuck)

4. New fun-reads recommended by B+P: Miracle in the Andes and 127 Hours (I also still need to see the movie!)

5. Always say hi to babies.

6. Two things to keep around at all times for endless hours of entertainment: a soccer ball, and a deck of cards. Which leads me to....

7. A new card game! Drown the Clown!

8. Irish folk music is fantastic! LOVE IT. also had a nice reminder of how much I like country music.

9. Get your haircut by a professional (craig tried to cut his own while we were there- to be honest, it doesn't look bad, but still- I think we should both go get our hair cut by people who do it as their job. B+P did and their hair looks great!)

10. Wool sweaters (blarney wool mill) and white lace place-mats are the bomb!

Bryan and Paige- we love you guys, thanks for the amazing time. I'm so glad we shared the experience, seeing you guys is always like a breath of fresh air. <3

Happy St. Patricks Day!

The Cotswolds: Scones, sheep, and golden brick cottages

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Warwick Castle

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Sunrise in the Cotswold Cottage

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Visit to the Botanical Gardens of Oxford!

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